Environment

A Major Leap Towards Sustainability: Aker Carbon Capture's Groundbreaking Initiative at WACKER's Plant in Norway

OSLO, Norway, March 22, 2024 - A major milestone in the fight against climate change has been reached, as Aker Carbon Capture secures a significant project to pioneer the CO2 emissions capture from WACKER's metallurgical-grade silicon production at its Holla plant in Kyrksæterøra, Norway. The German chemical conglomerate aims for a substantial reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions within the near future, targeting a 50% cut by 2030 and striving to achieve a net-zero carbon footprint by 2045.

WACKER relies heavily on silicon metal as an essential ingredient for crafting two of their premium products: silicones and hyperpure polysilicon. The Holla facility's output satisfies about one-third of the manufacturing behemoth's demand for silicon metal in Germany. This makes the initiative a significant step not only for the company but also for the industry's sustainable evolution.

"We are proud to collaborate with WACKER, a pioneer of modern chemistry, on their journey towards net zero. The test campaign will provide valuable learning for the implementation of our carbon capture technology in a new industry. Additionally, the feasibility study will explore the commercial application of the technology at the Holla plant," expressed Tove Ormevik, Director of Delivery Functions and Aftermarket at Aker Carbon Capture. Ormevik further emphasized the value of this partnership, viewing carbon capture as a substantial opportunity to reduce Norway's CO2 emissions significantly.

Cementing Norway's Commitment to Climate Targets

Norway's climate targets are ambitious, envisioning a 55% reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 2030 relative to the levels found in 1990. According to Statistics Norway, as of 2022, the process industry has been attributed to approximately 20% of the country's total GHG output, with 12 million metric tons of CO2e emitted. The European Commission has taken things a step further by proposing a 90% net reduction in GHG emissions by 2040 compared to 1990 amounts. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) emerges as a pivotal strategy that could significantly cut emissions from sectors that are traditionally challenging to decarbonize, including cement, waste incineration, bioenergy, and various other process industries.

Innovating Carbon Capture with Aker Carbon Capture's Mobile Test Unit

Boasting an impressive operational history with over 35,000 hours across the globe, Aker Carbon Capture's Mobile Test Unit is a robust and fully operational CO2 capture plant. It features the company's cutting-edge carbon capture technology, which is highly scalable and can be effectively applied to large-scale plants. The versatility of the Mobile Test Unit is one of its standout attributes, enabling operation on a variety of flue gases and allowing for transportation and flexibility essential for testing in disparate industrial environments.

Press Inquiries and Investor Relations

For media engagements and further information about this groundbreaking venture, please reach out to Marianne Stigset using the provided contact details:

Media Contact: Marianne Stigset, Mobile: +47 41 18 84 82, Email: [email protected]

Investor Contacts: David Phillips, Mobile: +44 7710 568279, Email: [email protected]

This development has been publicized through Cision, a premier global provider of earned media software and services. To read more about the news, please visit Cision's news portal.

For further details on Aker Carbon Capture's pioneering study and test campaign awarded by WACKER, the link to the news release can be found here: Aker Carbon Capture Study and Test Campaign Award.

Roadmap to a Climate-Neutral Process Industry

The intention behind this collaboration and Aker Carbon Capture's technological solutions underline a broader commitment to devise and implement green energy solutions on a scale previously unheard of within the realm of industrial production. In aligning their aims with the international climate agreements and Norway's ambitious environmental goals, WACKER sheds light on the urgency for industrial giants to reconsider the impact of their operations and invest in sustainable practices.

As policymakers and industry leaders worldwide rally around carbon neutrality objectives, ventures like the one at the Holla plant set the stage for global innovations in the process industry. The move to integrate carbon capture technologies into the production of silicon metal showcases leading strategies that companies can pursue towards achieving greener manufacturing processes.

A Strategic Partnership for the Future

The collaboration between Aker Carbon Capture and WACKER is more than a mere business partnership; it is a strategic alliance aimed at confronting climate change head-on. With deep-seated values in innovation and sustainability, these two companies have embarked on a journey that promises not only to redefine eco-friendly manufacturing but also to offer learning opportunities essential for the wider adoption of carbon capture technology in diverse industries.

Future Projections and Expectations

As the feasibility study progresses and the eight-month test campaign rolls out, eyes will be on how effectively the Mobile Test Unit integrates with existing systems and how scalable the process proves to be. There are high expectations for Aker Carbon Capture's technology, which could potentially transform other sections of the process industry and escalate the global transition to a low-carbon economy.

The proactive approach taken by these corporations in addressing CO2 emissions paves the way for others to follow. While the path to a net-zero industrial sector is complex, it is steps like these that give shape to the vision of a sustainable industrial future, one that harmoniously aligns economic growth with environmental responsibility.

Scaling up Carbon Capture Solutions

Success at the Holla plant could serve as a blueprint for widespread deployment of carbon capture systems across the process industry and beyond. Aker Carbon Capture’s experience and expertise within the sector offer a tangible path to substantial emissions reductions, setting new standards for climate action within hard-to-abate sectors. Subsequently, the success here could catalyze a chain reaction within the industry, encouraging rapid adoption and optimization of carbon capture solutions globally.

Environmental Impact and Global Influence

The implications of this partnership extend far beyond Norway's borders, as other nations might look toward the success of this test to model their carbon capture strategies. A positive outcome could influence international climate policy discussions and help shape the future mandates for industries around the world.

In the context of the European Commission's proposed targets and Norway's national climate ambitions, demonstrating the commercial viability and environmental benefits of carbon capture technology could provide the necessary momentum to drive a collective push for a greener industrial landscape across Europe and beyond.

For additional information and insights into the project or to download related files, interested parties are directed to the following link: Download Files – Aker Carbon Capture & WACKER Project.

Conclusion

As Aker Carbon Capture and WACKER embark on this ambitious project, the world eagerly anticipates the outcome, hopeful for a positive precedent in the sustainable transformation of the industrial process sector. This initiative could signify a turning point, marking the rise of a new era where the harmonization of industry and environment is not only possible but also profitable and preferable. The insights gleaned from this study and test campaign are awaited with bated breath, signifying a potential shift towards a more resilient and responsible industrial future.

With the strong commitment from both Aker Carbon Capture and WACKER, coupled with the advanced technology at hand, this test campaign is more than a feasibility study; it is a beacon of hope and a testament to what can be achieved when innovation meets environmental stewardship. As the journey towards net zero gains momentum, this project stands as a shining example of the steps industry leaders can take to mitigate climate change and foster a sustainable future for all.

Through the lens of this endeavor, we witness the dawning of an industrial revolution, one that doesn’t just adapt to the changing climate but actively works to combat its adverse effects. The groundbreaking work at Holla is just the beginning, depicting the profound potential carbon capture technology has in changing the narrative from environmental concern to climate action success.

As the world transitions towards sustainability, initiatives such as the one between Aker Carbon Capture and WACKER at the Holla plant will undoubtedly serve as inspirational examples of what is possible. With continued dedication to technological advancements and strategic partnerships, the ideal of a carbon-neutral industry is moving closer to reality. This ambitious project not only signals progress for Norway but also shines a light on the path other nations can follow, moving us all toward a cleaner, greener world.

For inquiries and more information: Marianne Stigset, Email, Mobile: +47 41 18 84 82. David Phillips, Email, Mobile: +44 7710 568279.

Online Resources and Further Reading:

• Aker Carbon Capture News Release
• Downloadable Files for Aker Carbon Capture and WACKER Project