HPQ Silicon Puts World On Notice By Ushering In New Era In Silicon Metal Manufacturing With First Ever “Zero CO2 Emissions” Process

Silicon is the 2nd most abundant element on the planet (and the 7th most abundant element in the universe)  …  But Silicon Metal Manufacturing is the largest emitter of CO2 among metals and non-ferrous metals on a per ton basis.  To make this worse, Silicon Metal Manufacturing hasn’t changed all that much in the last 100 years and presents a major problem for the world’s zero carbon goals.

In fact, no matter how many improvements they try to make, the traditional Silicon Metal Manufacturers process will never allow them to produce zero CO2 emissions silicon metal.

HPQ SILICON MAKES GROUND BREAKING ZERO CO2 ANNOUNCEMENT

The answer is the creation of a brand new process - and the solution according to HPQ Silicon is in today’s groundbreaking announcement HPQ PUREVAP™ QRR Will Usher in Zero CO2 Emission Silicon Metal Manufacturing 

HPQ Silicon Inc., a leading technology company, is making significant strides in the field of high-purity silicon production. With its innovative approach and proprietary technology, the PUREVAP Quartz Reduction Reactor (QRR) process, HPQ Silicon is transforming the industry. The company's recent achievements highlight its commitment to advancing green engineering processes for silica and silicon material production. Through strategic partnerships and groundbreaking research, HPQ Silicon is revolutionizing the production of high-purity silicon while driving down costs.

Today, the company has highlighted the environmental benefits of its PUREVAP QRR process. The QRR process aims to achieve zero CO2 emissions in silicon metal manufacturing and incorporates a carbon recycling step to further reduce feedstock usage.

THE PROBLEM - 100 YEAR OLD SILICON METAL MANUFACTURING

Traditional silicon metal manufacturing is a significant emitter of CO2, with 5 tonnes of CO2 emissions per tonne of silicon produced. By contrast, HPQ's QRR process, which operates as a Closed Electric Arc Furnace (CEAF), eliminates air infiltrations within the reactor and produces a gas composition enriched with CO(g), which can be captured for further utilization. The captured CO(g) is converted back into solid carbon form, allowing for its reuse in the carbothermic process for silicon production.

THE SOLUTION - THE HPQ ENCLOSED REACTOR PROCESS 

The QRR process not only achieves zero CO2 emissions but also offers other environmental advantages. Its design inhibits the formation of highly reactive and poisonous nitrogen oxides (NOx) gases, contributing to a cleaner production process.

Implementing the QRR system in key markets could have a profound environmental impact. By fulfilling just 25% of the projected 1 million tonnes of additional silicon metal production capacity, worldwide CO2 emissions could be reduced by 1.25 million tonnes annually. Additionally, the QRR process offers potential carbon credit generation, further incentivizing its adoption. 

From an economic perspective, the deployment of QRR systems can lead to substantial cost savings due to carbon tax reductions. The Net Present Values of potential carbon tax savings for each 2,500t/y system over a 25-year period demonstrate the financial benefits in different markets.

HPQ has also acquired intellectual property from PyroGenesis, strengthening its QRR patent portfolio and gaining a competitive advantage over traditional silicon metal manufacturers. The acquired IP focuses on achieving zero CO2 emissions and introducing a circular carbon usage approach through carbon recycling.

Overall, HPQ's QRR process represents a significant advancement in silicon metal manufacturing, providing a sustainable and environmentally responsible solution with both economic and environmental benefits.