Silicon-related materials demand and embodied greenhouse gas emissions of photovoltaic systems in China's regions

China is the world's largest producer and consumer of solar photovoltaics (PV). A regional level study of the demand for silicon-related materials (Silica sand, MG-Si, SoG-Si, Wafers, Cells) and embodied GHG emissions in China's photovoltaic industry could provide a scientific basis for its refined policy design. In this study, the demand for silicon-related materials for PV systems and embodied greenhouse gas emissions in 32 provinces and regions in China were assessed under different scenarios using dynamic material flow analysis . The results indicate that under the NZE scenario, from 2021 to 2050, China's PV systems will require 108 Mt of silicon , with cumulative emissions of 313 Mt CO₂-equivalent (Mono-route: 294 Mt, Mult-route: 19 Mt). These emissions are primarily concentrated in the Shandong, Hebei, and Zhejiang regions. In the future, priority should be given to establishing PV module recycling projects in these areas.