The steel industry, a pillar of the national economy, faces significant challenges in energy conservation and emissions reduction due to its high energy consumption and carbon emissions. Driven by China's "dual carbon" goals, domestic steel companies are actively advancing ultra-low emission upgrades and energy efficiency improvements to achieve a green transition. This article examines recent progress in ultra-low emission reforms and energy efficiency benchmarking among Chinese steel enterprises, analyzing their implications for sustainable development.

Several Chinese steel companies have recently publicized their assessment and monitoring progress in ultra-low emission upgrades, covering organized emissions, unorganized emissions, and clean transportation. These disclosures reflect the industry's commitment to environmental protection and offer insights into the sector's green transformation.

Organized emissions refer to pollutants discharged through fixed sources like exhaust stacks. Key upgrade measures include:

• Dust removal equipment modernization: Adoption of advanced technologies like bag filters and electrostatic precipitators to improve dust capture efficiency.
• Desulfurization and denitrification: Installation of SCR systems and wet desulfurization units to reduce sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide emissions.
• Production process optimization: Implementation of oxygen-enriched blast furnace and coal injection technologies to enhance fuel efficiency.

Notable companies implementing these measures include Fujian Sansteel Group, Daye Huaxin Industrial Co., and Sichuan Ya'an Anshan Iron & Steel.

Unorganized emissions, such as fugitive dust and VOCs, present unique challenges due to their diffuse nature. Remediation strategies include:

• Enclosure of material storage yards with dust suppression systems
• Paving of plant roads to minimize dust
• Expansion of green spaces using high-dust-retention plant species
• Enhanced operational management to reduce material spillage

Companies like Guangdong Jinshenglan Metallurgical Technology and Sichuan Desheng Group Vanadium & Titanium have made notable progress in this area.

To reduce logistics-related emissions, companies are:

• Phasing out diesel vehicles in favor of electric and natural gas alternatives
• Increasing rail and waterway transport utilization
• Implementing strict vehicle maintenance protocols

Leading adopters include Tongling Xuanli Special Steel, Shanxi Hongda Iron & Steel, and Jiujiang Pingxiang Steel.

Some enterprises are addressing historical gaps by retrofitting ancillary equipment at Zhongxin Iron & Steel Group, Handan Nengjia Steel, and similar facilities.

Several manufacturers, including Xinyu Iron & Steel Group and Baosteel Desheng Stainless Steel, are implementing plant-wide emission reduction programs encompassing all production aspects.

Parallel to emission controls, energy efficiency improvements form another critical component of the industry's green transition. China's "Dual Carbon Best Practice Energy Efficiency Benchmarking" initiative has recognized several exemplary projects:

• Process optimization: Adoption of high-efficiency sintering and blast furnace top pressure recovery technologies
• Equipment upgrades: Installation of high-efficiency motors and variable frequency drives
• Energy cascading: Utilization of waste heat from slag and recovery of converter gas

Notable performers include Tianjin Pipe Corporation, Shanghai Meishan Iron & Steel, and Jiangsu Yonggang Group.

The steel industry's transformation carries profound implications:

• Substantial reduction in environmental pollution and improved air quality
• Enhanced resource efficiency leading to cost competitiveness
• Acceleration of clean technology innovation
• Establishment of sustainable development foundations for the sector

This comprehensive shift represents both a response to national climate commitments and a strategic repositioning for long-term industrial viability. The collaborative efforts between policymakers and enterprises demonstrate China's determined approach to balancing industrial growth with environmental stewardship.