Elkem wins NOK 87m from Enova to scale biocarbon use in silicon production
- Enova awarded NOK 87 million to Elkem for a NOK 242 million project to scale industrial biocarbon in silicon production
- The project runs 2026-2028 with lab, pilot and industrial tests at five Norwegian smelters to qualify biocarbon feedstocks such as charcoal, wood chips and briquettes
- Elkem aims to double biocarbon share from about 25% by end of 2030, potentially reducing up to 0.5 million tonnes CO2 per year
- Replacing half of fossil carbon in silicon and ferrosilicon production globally could cut more than 20 million tonnes CO2 annually
Funding and project scope
Enova granted NOK 87 million to Elkem for a NOK 242 million project to scale industrial biocarbon use in silicon production; the programme runs 2026–2028 and covers laboratory, pilot and industrial testing at five Norwegian smelters.
Feedstocks and handling
Trials will evaluate biocarbon feedstocks such as charcoal, wood chips and briquettes from various producers, including startups, while developing improved solutions for safe and efficient handling at industrial plants.
Targets and emissions impact
Elkem aims to double biocarbon’s share from about 25% by end-2030; if successful, the project could cut up to 0.5 million tonnes CO2 per year for Elkem, and replacing half of fossil carbon in global silicon and ferrosilicon production could lower emissions by over 20 million tonnes annually.
Source: Elkem