Elkem secures Enova funding to scale biocarbon use, aiming to cut emissions, strengthen value chains, and advance sustainable silicon production globally.
Elkem has secured NOK 87 million in funding from Enova to accelerate the development and large-scale adoption of biocarbon in silicon production, marking a significant step in its decarbonization strategy. The initiative, which carries a total budget of NOK 242 million, is set to run through 2028 and is expected to substantially reduce emissions—potentially cutting up to 0.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
Biocarbon is increasingly recognized as a crucial alternative to fossil-based carbon in the production of silicon. According to Grim Terje Øberg, Elkem’s project manager, expanding its use at an industrial scale requires tailored solutions designed specifically for high-temperature furnaces. Since carbon plays a vital role in converting quartz into silicon, optimizing renewable alternatives is essential for reducing the environmental footprint of the process.
Over the past several years, Elkem has actively worked to replace fossil coal with renewable carbon sources such as charcoal, wood chips, and briquettes derived from forestry and wood industry by-products. Currently, biocarbon constitutes approximately 25% of the carbon used in the company’s Norwegian smelters. However, Elkem aims to double this share by 2030, a goal that will require more advanced and efficient biocarbon products suited for industrial-scale operations.
The Enova-backed project will focus on strengthening the entire value chain of biocarbon production and utilization. Between 2026 and 2028, Elkem will conduct extensive testing of various biomass materials sourced from multiple suppliers, including emerging Norwegian start-ups. This testing will span laboratory research, pilot-scale trials, and full industrial evaluations across the company’s five smelting facilities in Norway. At the same time, the project will develop improved systems for the safe handling, storage, and integration of biocarbon within industrial environments.
If successful, the initiative could not only significantly reduce Elkem’s own fossil CO2 emissions but also contribute to building a more robust and competitive global market for industrial biocarbon. Øberg emphasized that the support from Enova plays a vital role in enabling the company to advance its sustainability ambitions while simultaneously developing commercially viable solutions for the broader process industry.
The global impact of scaling biocarbon adoption is considerable. Replacing just half of the fossil carbon used by silicon and ferrosilicon producers worldwide could lead to annual reductions exceeding 20 million tonnes of CO2 emissions. This highlights the broader significance of Elkem’s efforts beyond its own operations.
Biocarbon remains a cornerstone of Elkem’s long-term environmental strategy and aligns with its commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. The company maintains strict standards for responsible sourcing, ensuring that all biocarbon materials are either FSC-certified or fully traceable to sustainable forestry practices. Its dedication to sustainability is further reflected in its CDP A rating for Forests, underscoring strong governance and supply chain transparency.
