Carbfix partners with Elkem to capture carbon dioxide at silicon metal plant in Grundartangi, Iceland

Carbfix has entered into an agreement with Elkem in Iceland and the Grundartangi Development Association to capture and permanently store carbon dioxide from Elkem’s silicon metal plant in Grundartangi. The signing took place today, with representatives from the companies, local municipalities, and Iceland’s Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate, Guðlaugur Þór Þórðarson, in attendance.

The primary goal of this collaboration is to capture CO2 from Elkem’s emissions and convert it into stone deep underground using Carbfix’s method. In the coming months, a research well will be drilled to evaluate the potential for CO2 storage in rock formations near the silicon metal plant. The project aims to sequester up to 450,000 tons of carbon dioxide annually, a move that could significantly impact Iceland’s climate commitments.

According to statements made during the contract signing, the collaboration is seen as a crucial step towards carbon neutrality in industrial operations in Iceland. Edda Sif Pind Aradóttir, CEO of Carbfix, noted that this agreement represents a new chapter in the history of heavy industry and silicon production globally regarding greenhouse gas emissions.

Elkem’s CEO, Álfheiður Ágústsdóttir, emphasized the company’s long-standing commitment to technological development in the silicon industry, aiming for complete carbon neutrality by 2050. The partnership with Carbfix is a vital stride towards achieving that goal.

Ólafur Adolfsson, chair of the Grundartangi Development Association, expressed enthusiasm about the contract, highlighting the area’s dedication to sustainability and circular economy initiatives.