Shanxi conference showcases solid waste solutions

New technologies and products in the field of industrial solid waste utilization were unveiled at the 12th Shanxi (Shuozhou) Industrial Solid Waste Utilization Conference, which began on Friday in Shuozhou, Shanxi province.

Projects totaling nearly 700 million yuan ($97.5 million) of investment were signed during the conference, injecting practical momentum toward achieving the nation's carbon peak and carbon neutrality goals.

"We keep the comprehensive utilization of industrial solid waste as a key measure to deepen the energy revolution and accelerate industrial transformation, exploring a new path for the transformation and development of resource-based cities," said Wang Shuaihong, Party secretary of Shuozhou, at the opening ceremony.

Shanxi is a major energy and raw materials producer in China. The province's raw coal output reached 1.28 billion metric tons in 2024, ranking second across the nation.

Shuozhou has long been a cornerstone for ensuring national energy security thanks to its abundant coal resources. Its mines also generate a large amount of industrial solid waste.

"Through relentless efforts, the number of solid waste utilization enterprises in Shuozhou has grown to 170, with products covering over 200 varieties in seven categories," said Wang. "Many new technologies have been successfully put into production, raising the industrial solid waste utilization rate to 73 percent."

According to data from the China Electricity Council, coal still accounted for about 55 percent of power generation in China in 2024, resulting in a discharge of over 800 million tons of coal power solid waste, such as fly ash and desulfurized gypsum. Solid waste disposal and utilization remain a challenge.

"In the current context of global efforts to develop green and sustainable new energy, new energy is developing rapidly," said Wu Xiaohuan, deputy director of the Institute of Technical Information for Building Materials Industry of China. "However, coal power will continue to play a fundamental role for a long time."

In 2021, Shuozhou was designated as the permanent venue for the Industrial Solid Waste Utilization Conference by the Asian Fly Ash Association.

The conference is a platform for experts and scholars to discuss the frontier technologies and development trends of industrial solid waste utilization and collectively promote new achievements in low-carbon and green development.