Elkem receives NOK 33 million to develop low-emission, recycled materials for automotive and construction, advancing circular economy goals.
Elkem ASA, a global leader in advanced silicon-based materials, has received a significant financial boost of NOK 32.8 million from Innovation Norway to advance its work in sustainable material development. The funding will support an ambitious research and development initiative focused on creating eco-friendly products by recycling slag and secondary silicon materials. This project, set to run from 2025 through 2026, is particularly targeted at delivering greener solutions for the automotive and construction sectors, where reducing carbon emissions is increasingly vital.
The grant comes from Innovation Norway’s Environmental Technology Scheme, which aims to support pioneering efforts in environmental innovation. Elkem's project is aligned with the scheme's goals, centering on reducing greenhouse gas emissions and fostering a more circular economy. One of the key objectives of the initiative is to develop cement substitutes made from slag produced at Elkem’s ferrosilicon plants. These new alternatives are expected to emit less than one-third of the CO2 compared to conventional cement products, offering a much lower environmental footprint.
Additionally, the project sets a benchmark of achieving over 50% recycling rates in new products by making effective use of secondary silicon sources. This will significantly reduce the dependence on virgin raw materials and promote the reuse of industrial by-products that are often discarded. Elkem sees this as a critical step in transforming waste materials into commercially viable and environmentally responsible alternatives.
“This grant is a recognition of Elkem’s longstanding commitment to innovation and sustainability,” said Håvard Moe, Senior Vice President of Technology at Elkem. “We are proud to be supported by Innovation Norway for a project that leverages all of our expertise in green technology to create materials essential for the future economy.”
Gro Eide, Vice President of Innovation at Elkem Silicon Products, echoed this enthusiasm: “Our goal is to reduce the environmental impact of both construction and automotive industries by offering products that replace traditional high-emission materials. Through this initiative, we aim to reimagine waste and by-products as valuable resources, thereby contributing meaningfully to the global shift toward a circular economy.”
To facilitate testing and production, Elkem will utilize the former facilities of REC Solar Norway, situated near the company's Fiskaa research centre in Kristiansand. These facilities, acquired by Elkem in 2024, are now being repurposed to optimize the production of green materials. Several former REC employees have been hired to contribute their expertise to the project.
By integrating recycled material streams into industrial production, Elkem not only advances its environmental goals but also sets a standard for responsible manufacturing in line with both Norwegian and international sustainability targets.
