WACKER will soon replace coal with biogenic carbon for silicon production at its Holla site in Norway. The company has signed a long-term supply contract with Aymium, a Minnesota-based producer of biogenic carbon. This contract begins once specific qualifications are met. Aymium plans to produce biogenic carbon in a new manufacturing facility in the southeastern United States.
WACKER Executive Board member Christian Kirsten stated, “The agreed volume significantly covers our carbon needs at the Holla site. This is a major step toward climate-neutral silicon production.”
Aymium CEO James A. Mennell expressed excitement about the collaboration, noting their shared goal of decarbonizing metallurgical-grade silicon production.
At the Holla site, quartz is converted into metallurgical-grade silicon in an electric arc furnace. This process requires carbon as a reducing agent. Historically, hard coal has supplied this carbon, but it will now transition to biogenic coal sourced from certified renewables. These materials absorb CO2 while growing and release it during production, making the process carbon-neutral.
Metallurgical-grade silicon is essential for WACKER’s production of high-purity polysilicon, used in microchips, solar modules, and silicones.
WACKER aims to reduce absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 and achieve net zero emissions by 2045. The Holla site is crucial in this effort, operating on 100% green electricity since 2022, using hydroelectric power. Successful carbon capture tests conducted last year are also instrumental.
Using carbon-neutral metallurgical-grade silicon from Holla can significantly lower the carbon footprint of WACKER’s silicone products.
(image source: Wacker Chemie AG)
