Elkem Announces Project to Eliminate Carbon Dioxide Emissions in Silicon Production
The company aims to be part of the solution to combat climate change and to be one of the winners in the green transition.
The Research Council of Norway has granted Elkem NOK 16 (approximately $1.8 million) to develop a new concept for silicon production where all direct carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are eliminated. Elkem is reportedly a global leader in silicon-based advanced materials. The company aims to be part of the solution to combat climate change and to be one of the winners in the green transition. The company reports that it already uses 83% renewable electricity in its operations.
Silicon production still generates significant CO2 emissions. The annual direct CO2 emissions from Elkem’s smelters are 2.1 million tons CO2, which corresponds to approximately 90% of Elkem’s total direct emissions. In its climate roadmap, Elkem has set goals of reducing its CO2 emissions by 28% by 2031 and achieving carbon-neutrality by 2050. The granted R&D project focuses on Elkem’s 2050 goal of exploring how to achieve carbon neutrality at the lowest environmental footprint and competitive costs.