WACKER has made significant strides in reducing its carbon footprint. The company has successfully demonstrated a carbon capture pilot at its silicon production process at its Holla, Norway, facility.
This achievement, made possible with the expertise of SLB-ACC Joint Venture, marks a crucial step towards net-zero chemicals production.
The pilot test involved capturing CO2 from the waste gas produced during silicon manufacturing.
This gas, which is a significant contributor to WACKER‘s overall emissions, was processed using a chemical method known as amine scrubbing.
This process involves using a solvent to selectively extract CO2 from the gas mixture. The captured CO2 can then be reused or stored, preventing its release into the atmosphere.
The successful pilot test demonstrates the feasibility of amine scrubbing for carbon capture in WACKER ‘s production processes.
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With a capture rate exceeding 95%, the project provides valuable data for scaling up the technology to industrial-level operations. Additionally, WACKER and SLB-ACC JV have conducted an engineering feasibility study to design a plant capable of capturing 180,000 metric tons of CO2 annually.
WACKER’s CEO, Christian Hartel, said: ““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.”
He emphasized the importance of carbon capture in mitigating climate change and highlighted the potential for captured CO2 to be used for various applications, such as producing synthetic fuels or methanol.
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“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,” Hartel added.
WACKER’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its ambitious net-zero goals. By 2030, the company aims to reduce its absolute greenhouse gas emissions by 50% compared to 2020 levels.
Furthermore, WACKER intends to achieve net-zero emissions by 2045. The successful pilot test in Holla is a key milestone towards this goal.
The carbon footprint of silicone products is largely influenced by the emissions associated with silicon production.
