The Norwegian advanced materials company Elkem has secured NOK 87 million in funding from Enova to advance the use of industrial biocarbon within its domestic smelting operations. This financial support contributes to a larger NOK 242 million project scheduled to run through 2028. The initiative is designed to accelerate the transition from fossil-based reductants to sustainable biogenic alternatives. By optimizing the biocarbon value chain, Elkem aims to reduce its annual carbon dioxide emissions by up to 0.5 million tonnes, supporting its long-term objective of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050.

The primary challenge addressed by this project is the technical requirement for high-performance reductants in large-scale, high-temperature silicon furnaces. While Elkem currently utilizes biocarbon for approximately 25 percent of its carbon needs in Norway, doubling this share by 2030 requires materials that can withstand intense industrial conditions without compromising furnace efficiency. Furthermore, the industry faces hurdles regarding the consistent supply of specialized biomassBiomass is a complex biological organic or non-organic solid product derived from living or recently living organism and available naturally. Various types of wastes such as animal manure, waste paper, sludge and many industrial wastes are also treated as biomass because like natural biomass these More and the development of safe, automated handling systems capable of managing biocarbon at an industrial scale.

To resolve these technical and logistical barriers, Elkem will execute an extensive testing program involving laboratory studies, pilot programs, and full-scale industrial trials across five smelters in Norway. The solution involves evaluating a diverse range of biomass types, including wood chips and forestry residues, sourced from various suppliers and startups. Additionally, the project focuses on engineering improved handling systems to ensure that biocarbon can be integrated into existing metallurgical processes safely and efficiently. This comprehensive approach ensures that the biocarbon products are specifically tailored to the rigorous demands of silicon and ferrosilicon production.

The anticipated outcomes of this initiative include a significant reduction in fossil CO₂ emissions and the maturation of the global biocarbon supply chain. Success in this project would allow Elkem to replace a greater portion of fossil coal with biocarbon, potentially serving as a blueprint for the wider metallurgical industry. If global silicon and ferrosilicon producers were to adopt similar biocarbon ratios, the industry could mitigate over 20 million tonnes of fossil CO₂ emissions annually. Furthermore, the project strengthens Norway’s position in the green transition by fostering a competitive market for sustainable industrial reductants.