Elkem awarded NOK 87 million by Enova to enable scale-up of biocarbon in silicon production
Oslo, 28 April 2026 - Elkem has been awarded NOK 87 million by Enova to develop industrial biocarbon solutions that can increase the share of renewable carbon used at Norwegian smelters. The project, which has a total budget of NOK 242 million and runs until 2028, could enable emission reductions of up to 0.5 million tonnes of CO?.
"Biocarbon is one of the most important levers available for reducing emissions from silicon production," says Grim Terje Øberg, project manager at Elkem. "To increase its use at scale, we need biocarbon products that are tailored for our large, high-temperature furnaces."
Carbon is a critical input when converting quartz into silicon, and Elkem has for several years worked to replace fossil coal with biocarbon derived from charcoal, wood chips and briquettes made from by-products of the forestry and wood industries.
Today, biocarbon accounts for around 25 per cent of carbon use at Elkem's Norwegian smelters. The company's ambition to double this share by the end of 2030 will require new biocarbon products better suited to industrial silicon production.
The Enova-supported project will address this through testing and development across the value chain. Between 2026 and 2028, Elkem will test different types of biomass from various producers, including Norwegian start-ups, through laboratory work, pilot trials and industrial testing at its five Norwegian smelters. Improved solutions for the safe and efficient handling of biocarbon at industrial plants will be developed in parallel.
If successful, the project will enable Elkem to reduce its fossil CO? emissions by up to 0.5 million tonnes per year and may contribute to a more mature and competitive global value chain for industrial biocarbon.
"We greatly appreciate Enova's support, which enables us to advance our climate efforts while developing competitive solutions needed by both Elkem and the wider process industry," Øberg concludes.
Replacing half of the fossil carbon used by silicon and ferrosilicon producers worldwide with biocarbon could reduce global fossil CO? emissions by more than 20 million tonnes annually.
Biocarbon is a key pillar of Elkem's long-term climate and environmental strategy and an important step towards the company's target of net zero emissions by 2050. Elkem applies strict requirements for responsible sourcing, and all biocarbon must be FSC-certified or traceable to sustainable forestry. The company holds a CDP A rating for Forests, reflecting its commitment to high standards and strong supply chain control.
For further information, please contact: Marianne Stigset VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs Tel: +47 411 88 482 E-mail: marianne.stigset@elkem.com
About Elkem With a strong track record since 1904, 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 has been awarded top score of A on Forests and Water Security, and B on Climate Change from CDP. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker: ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com