Elkem receives 1.8 million euros in EU support to explore CO2-free silicon production

Here’s a summary of the key points from the press release about the Elkem Sicalo® project and the MECALO initiative:

Elkem Sicalo® Project:

• Elkem, in collaboration with SINTEF and NORCE, has completed the first pilot phase for the Elkem Sicalo® project, aiming to remove all CO2 emissions from silicon production by capturing carbon emitted during the process and reusing it as a reducing agent.

EU Funding:

• The EU has granted €9.9 million for the MECALO project, which builds on Elkem Sicalo®. MECALO aims to enhance carbon reuse concepts for general metal production, demonstrating CO2-free production of silicon and manganese alloys.

Environmental Impact:

• If successful and fully implemented across European silicon and manganese production, MECALO could save 33 million tons of CO2 emissions annually by 2050.

CEO Commentary:

• Helge Aasen, CEO of Elkem, emphasized the importance of partnerships between public and private sectors in achieving net-zero emissions in the metal alloy industry.

Silicon's Role:

• Silicon is critical for the green and digital transitions, used in electric vehicles, solar cells, batteries, smartphones, and wind turbines. Its production is currently a significant source of greenhouse gas emissions.

Innovative Production Method:

• The MECALO project will research new production methods involving the capture of carbon oxides from process gases, converting them into solid carbon using low-carbon hydrogen, which will be reused in metal production.

Research Partnerships:

• Elkem has partnered with SINTEF since 2021 and will continue to collaborate on research supported by the Research Council of Norway and Enova.

Eramet's Involvement:

• Manganese alloy producer Eramet aims to develop and implement MECALO technology to decarbonize their steel supply chain and achieve CO2-free manganese alloy production.

Process Definition:

• Carbon thermic reduction uses carbon as a reducing agent for metal oxides, typically at high temperatures, leading to significant CO2 emissions unless innovative processes like MECALO are employed.

This initiative represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the metallurgical sector and enhancing sustainable production methods.