WACKER is making a significant move toward climate-neutral silicon production by replacing fossil coal with biogenic carbon at its Holla facility in Norway. To support this transition, the company has signed a long-term supply agreement with Aymium, a U.S.-based producer of biogenic carbon and biohydrogen. Currently, WACKER relies on coal to reduce quartz into metallurgical-grade silicon, a process that generates substantial CO2 emissions. By switching to biogenic carbon, the company aims to eliminate fossil-based emissions, marking a crucial step toward its net-zero goals.

The newly signed contract with Aymium will take effect once specific conditions, including a qualification process, are met. Aymium plans to produce the biogenic carbon in a new manufacturing facility in the southeastern United States. Christian Kirsten, a member of WACKER’s Executive Board, stated that the agreement will secure a significant portion of the carbon requirements for the Holla site, helping to reduce the company’s carbon footprint. Aymium’s CEO, James A. Mennell, expressed excitement about the collaboration, emphasizing that it will accelerate the decarbonization of metallurgical-grade silicon production.

At the Holla site, quartz (silicon dioxide or SiO2) is converted into metallurgical-grade silicon using an electric arc furnace. This process requires both electrical energy and a carbon-based reducing agent. Traditionally, WACKER has used hard coal for this purpose, but the company is now gradually replacing it with biogenic coal sourced from certified renewable raw materials. These renewable sources absorb CO2 while growing and release it again during silicon production, making the overall process carbon-neutral. Metallurgical-grade silicon is a critical raw material for WACKER, essential for producing high-purity polysilicon used in microchips, solar panels, and silicone products. By incorporating biogenic carbon, WACKER not only reduces its carbon emissions but also enhances the sustainability of its entire supply chain.

WACKER has set ambitious climate goals, aiming to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 50% by 2030 compared to 2020 levels. The company’s ultimate target is to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045, with the Holla facility playing a key role in this transformation. Since 2022, the site has been powered entirely by green electricity from renewable sources such as hydropower. Additionally, WACKER has successfully tested carbon capture technologies to separate and store CO2 from production processes.

By combining green electricity, biogenic carbon, and carbon capture, WACKER is making progress toward a fully climate-neutral silicon value chain. The use of carbon-neutral metallurgical-grade silicon from Holla could significantly lower the carbon footprint of WACKER’s silicone products, making them more sustainable and environmentally friendly.