Elkem ASA (Oslo, Norway) announced the agreement to sell its biocarbon business in Saguenay, Québec in Canada, including the physical pilot and demonstration production facility, and proprietary technology, to CHAR Technologies Ltd. (CHAR Tech). As part of the agreement, CHAR Tech will supply Elkem with 62,500 tons of biocarbon over five years. This follows Elkem’s divestment of the majority of its Silicones business assets.
The Saguenay, Québec, facility was initially built in 2022 as a pilot and demonstration facility, where Elkem developed its proprietary biocarbon pellet process to meet the specific needs of ferrosilicon production in electric arc furnaces. Most recently, the facility produced volume for an industrial test of biocarbon, which was successfully used in Elkem Métals electric arc furnace, located nearby. The site is now poised for commercial upgrades to produce up to 15,000 tons per year of pelletized biocarbon. Once upgraded, the facility will then process CHAR Tech’s raw biochar into biocarbon pellets suitable for heavy industrial decarbonization, with a specific focus on supporting ferrosilicon production.
Biocarbon use remains a pilar in Elkem’s decarbonisation strategy. Through the five-year supply agreement, Elkem secures a reliable source of biocarbon for its Canadian and European smelters from CHAR Tech’s expanding production platform, which is equipped with the technology, capacity, and commercial infrastructure to deliver at scale.
“Elkem’s strategy centres on leveraging technology-driven solutions and pioneering R&D to advance industrial decarbonization. Transferring our biocarbon operations in Saguenay to CHAR Tech is an important milestone, allowing us to scale our validated biocarbon process and ensure consistent supply for our global operations. This partnership strengthens Elkem’s commitment to producing silicon-based products with the lowest possible carbon footprint, directly supporting our ESG goals and delivering lasting value for our customers and shareholders,” said Charles Tremblay, Elkem’s Chicoutimi plant manager in Canada.