Ferroglobe PLC, a leading producer of silicon metal, has revealed plans to temporarily halt all silicon production in France and Europe beginning this October. This decision follows severe challenges impacting the European silicon industry, as highlighted by Benjamin Crespy, Chief Operating Officer at Ferroglobe PLC, in a recent interview with Les Echos. The suspension is driven by collapsing demand from key sectors and falling prices, which are largely attributed to less constrained and more carbon-intensive low-cost imports.
Benjamin Crespy emphasised the critical need to restore fair competition in the European silicon market. Without immediate and decisive action, Europe risks losing its sovereign silicon production capacity, falling short of its carbon emission targets, and forfeiting access to a strategic material essential for the energy transition, green mobility, defense technologies, and other key industries.
High-purity silicon metal is used by many industries. In the chemical industry it is used for producing silicon compounds as well as silicon wafers used in photovoltaic solar cells and electronic semiconductors. And aluminum manufacturers use it to improve the already useful properties of aluminum. When used with aluminum, silicon improves its castability, hardness and strength.
Besides, aluminum demand has been growing steadily in recent years, as a reflection of the economic activity in both the developed and developing word. This demand of lighter and more economical material has triggered a growth in Silicon metal consumption by aluminum manufacturers.
Ferroglobe PLC remains committed to producing high-quality silicon metal and collaborating with customers and partners to innovate and enhance competitiveness. However, Crespy stressed that securing Europe’s future in silicon requires collective efforts and decisive measures to address the current market pressures and restore a level playing field. The company’s decision serves as a stark reminder of the challenges facing the European silicon industry and the importance of safeguarding its strategic interests.
