Uses & Applications

Applications and End-Uses for Silicon

Silicon (Si) is a medium-criticality technology metal with a diverse range of industrial and technological applications. As global demand for advanced materials intensifies, understanding where and how Silicon is consumed provides essential context for supply chain planning, investment analysis, and policy development.

Key Applications

The primary end-uses of Silicon span multiple sectors, each contributing to its classification as a critical material. The following applications represent the most significant sources of global demand:

• Semiconductor chips and electronics — Silicon plays a vital role in semiconductor chips and electronics, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Solar photovoltaic cells — Silicon plays a vital role in solar photovoltaic cells, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Silicone products — Silicon plays a vital role in silicone products, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Aluminum alloy additive — Silicon plays a vital role in aluminum alloy additive, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.
• Steel and iron casting — Silicon plays a vital role in steel and iron casting, where its unique physical and chemical properties provide performance advantages that are difficult to replicate with alternative materials.

Sector Breakdown

The largest consuming sector for Silicon is semiconductor chips and electronics, which accounts for a substantial share of global demand. The second most significant application is solar photovoltaic cells, which has shown strong growth in recent years driven by technology adoption and regulatory requirements. Emerging applications across clean energy, defense, and advanced manufacturing are expected to expand the demand profile for Silicon in the coming decade.

Demand Outlook

With a criticality level of medium and a supply risk rating of medium, the demand trajectory for Silicon is closely monitored by governments and industry analysts. Its inclusion on the USGS critical minerals list underscores the strategic importance of securing stable supply for domestic industries. The European Union has similarly recognized its importance through inclusion on the EU Critical Raw Materials list. Growing demand from electrification, digitalization, and defense modernization programs is expected to place additional pressure on existing supply chains.