Elkem is researching a groundbreaking new concept for silicon production, which aims to eliminate nearly all direct CO2 emissions. The concept involves capturing and recycling the carbon in the process off gas and reusing it in the production process. Enova has grantedElkem 31 million Norwegian kroner for a medium scale pilot, to be carried out in Kristiansand,Norway . Silicon is a critical raw material for the green and digital transitions, as it is used in electric vehicles, solar cells, batteries, computers, wind turbines and much more. The production of silicon is however a source of greenhouse gas emissions, as the process requires a source of carbon to reduce the quartz into silicon.Elkem's silicon production is based on more than 80% emission-free electricity and is one of the world's most sustainable silicon production processes. The emissions from the carbon needed to produce silicon from quartz is however hard to abate. -Elkem has a climate strategy aimed at net zero emissions by 2050, and a switch to more biocarbon and exploring carbon capture are among the company's measures. With this groundbreaking research into carbon looping, possibly reusing captured carbon in our own process, we are exploring a potential game changer in the silicon production industry, saidElkem CEOHelge Aasen . The new concept, named Sicalo (Silicon production with carbon looping), will eliminate the need for any carbon used as a reduction material, if realized. In today's silicon furnace, the process gases end up as CO2 emissions. In Sicalo, the emitted carbon will be captured and reused in the silicon production process as a reductant.Elkem is about to complete the first phase of the research and development work of Sicalo, where the various subprocesses are tested on laboratory and bench scales together with SINTEF Industry and NORCE. The project has previously received 16 MNOK in funding from theResearch Council of Norway for this research phase in 2022-2024. - Enova is impressed by the extensive workElkem has put into this pilot project. This is future technology. It is therefore very natural that Enova is involved and helps mitigate the risk through financial support. Enova knows that it takes time to commercialize this technology. Now thatElkem is underway, we can hope that the new solutions and processes can be industrialized early in the 2030s. We are following the results with excitement, says Nils Kristian Nakstad, CEO of Enova - We are pleased to receive public funding from Enova for this pilot project. There is still significant research needed before we can see this as a viable solution in full scale, but preliminary results are promising, and we are proud to have world class researchers and pilot facilities for working on these possible future technologies for the silicon industry, saidHelge Aasen .Elkem also completed the world's first carbon capture pilot in a silicon smelter in 2023, with capture rates of up to 95 %. For further information, please contact:Odd-Geir Lyngstad VP Finance & Investor Relations Tel: +47 976 72 806 Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.comMaria Ekornes Myhre Acting VP Corporate Communications and Public Affairs Tel: +47 994 12 707 Email: maria.ekornes.myhre@elkem.comElkem is one of the world's leading providers of advanced silicon-based materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity.Elkem helps its customers create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than 7,400 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2023,Elkem achieved an operating income ofNOK 35.5 billion and CDP ratings of A on Forests, and A- on Climate Change and Water Security.Elkem is listed on theOslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com
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