Elkem successfully completes the world’s first pilot for carbon capture and storage in a smelter
Elkem, a leading producer of advanced silicon-based materials, has completed its first pilot for carbon capture and storage (CCS) at its plant in Rana, Norway. The pilot recorded high capture rates of CO2, up to 95%, indicating technical viability of CCS in smelters.
Elkem's Climate Director, Trond Sæterstad, said, "We're excited to have completed our first pilot for CCS at our plant in Rana. Our high capture rates of up to 95%, combined with low amine degradation, show technical effectiveness of the technology. Now the challenge is to strengthen the business case for CCS, to make it commercially viable in an industry with global competition."
Flue gas from silicon smelters has fluctuating and low CO2 concentrations. The success in capturing this CO2 in the pilot provides invaluable learning for future developments. The CCS pilot was operational for approximately 3000 hours between November 2022 – June 2023.
"The key learnings from this pilot helps us know how to optimise our plants for potential future implementation of carbon capture," said Sæterstad.
Carbon Capture is included in Elkem’s climate strategy towards reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
“Elkem aims to be part of the solution to combat climate change. Our mission is to provide advanced material solutions, shaping a better and more sustainable future. We will use the results from this pilot to continue maturing technical and commercial aspects of potential future CCS implementation. Lowering implementation costs and attracting competitive framework conditions are also critical components of this process,” says Trond Sæterstad.
The project received financial support from Gassnova CLIMIT, and was a collaboration between Elkem and Mo Industripark, SINTEF, Alcoa, Celsa, Ferroglobe, SMA Mineral, Norcem, Norfrakalk, Arctic Cluster Team and Aker Carbon Capture.
For further information, please contact:
Odd-Geir Lyngstad
VP Finance & Investor Relations
Tel: +47 976 72 806
Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com
Maria Ekornes Myhre
Communications Manager
Tel: +47 994 12 707
Email: maria.ekornes.myhre@elkem.com
About Elkem
Elkem 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 7,300 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential. In 2022, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 45.9 billion and CDP ratings of A- on climate and forest. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com
