Elkem, a Norway-based provider of advanced material solutions, has taken 100% ownership of the Elkem Saltan energy recovery plant after acquiring the remaining 50% stake from Kvitebjorn Energi.

The company said the recovery plant is "closely integrated" with the silicon production processes at Elkem Saltan and utilises excess heat from the silicon furnaces to produce electrical power.

The plant recovers 28% of the electrical energy used at Elkem Salten, equal to the power consumption of approximately 15,000 Norwegian households.

The purchase price for the plant has not been disclosed.

Helge Aasen, Elkem's chief executive officer, said the acquisition "further strengthens" the company's efforts to "ensure environmentally friendly silicon and ferrosilicon production" with the "lowest possible emissions."

"We believe that energy recovery will be a key pillar in the green transition, and we see significant additional potential for additional energy recovery in our industry with the right support mechanisms," Aasen said.

In November 2021, Elkem received $1.78 million to develop a new concept to decarbonise silicon production.