Wacker progresses CO2 capture from silicon production process

Holla, Norway - Wacker has “successfully captured” carbon dioxide (CO2) generated from silicon production in a pilot test at its Norwegian site in Holla. 

The project employed technology and expertise of the SLB and Aker Carbon Capture joint venture (SLB-ACC JV), said Wacker’s 11 Sept announcement.

At the Holla site, quartz and carbon are combined to produce silicon feedstock for use in the manufacture a wide range of silicone products. 

This reaction generates a considerable level of carbon emissions, said Wacker, noting that the CO2 capture process makes it possible to reuse or store this greenhouse gas.

As it prevents the release of CO2 into the atmosphere, the technology represents “a critical step on the road to net-zero chemicals production.”

Wacker manufactures about a third of the silicon metal that it needs for its production processes at the Holla site. 

Carbon-capture, combined with green electricity and the use of renewable charcoal, “will open the door to future climate-neutral silicon value chains,” the German group stated.

SLB-ACC JV specialises in capturing CO2 from flue gases from large-scale industrial processes.

The JV’s installed a mobile test unit, described as a small-scale CO2 capture plant, at Wacker’s site in Holla. 

Waste gas generated from silicon production was piped directly into the pilot plant, where CO2 was captured via an amine scrubbing process. 

The pilot test campaign, which was concluded in late June, achieved capture rates of over 95% and yielded important information to support large-scale implementation. 

“The results of the pilot study are a huge success for us. We’ve shown that this technology makes it possible to remove CO2 effectively,” said Wacker CEO Christian Hartel. 

“What we need now are customers that will buy the CO2 from us and a regulatory framework that can help us build the business case,” added Hartel.

Photo: Wacker