Views on current policies for new chlor-alkali projects
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**The 2019 Edition of the \"Guidelines for Industrial Structure Adjustment\" (amended in 2021) requires that ion-exchange membrane cells use waste salt exclusively. The energy efficiency level of the proposed high-tech projects must reach advanced domestic standards. For \"high-energy and high-emission\" projects whose processes, technologies, and equipment fall under the category of those that are restricted or to be phased out, departments such as those responsible for development and reform, ecological environment protection, industry and information technology, natural resources, forestry, housing and urban-rural development, administrative approval, and emergency management shall not handle any related procedures.
"The “high-energy-consuming and high-emission projects” referred to by the two high authorities are mainly such projects. Since 2017, China has implemented strict regulatory measures on high-energy and high-emission projects in order to drive industrial transformation and upgrading and promote a shift in the mode of economic development. In the chlor-alkali industry, large amounts of industrial waste salt are typically generated during production, and if not properly treated, this can have a severe impact on the environment. Therefore, the requirement to use ion-exchange membrane cells for the complete treatment of waste salts is both a requirement for environmental protection and a requirement for energy efficiency. At the same time, in accordance with the new policy requirements, the energy efficiency level of \"high-energy-consuming\" projects must reach advanced domestic standards; this means that new chlor-alkali plants need to employ the most advanced processes and equipment to ensure optimal energy efficiency during production. **The department will no longer handle the relevant approval procedures for “high-energy and high-emission” projects that fall under the category of restricted or phased-out projects. This will further restrict the construction and development of such projects, prompting enterprises to adopt more green and environmentally friendly production methods. Overall, the introduction of these policies will drive the chlor-alkali industry in a more environmentally friendly and efficient direction, contributing to its sustainable development. .
Coal chemical enterprises also have a large amount of waste salt (hazardous waste) that needs to be treated.
Treating waste salt to a level suitable for use in ion exchange membranes also consumes many resources