Description
In the project it is planned to develop a technology for the production of the silicon – aluminium alloy from the waste of crystalline silicon production, while reducing the costs and energy needed for the acquisition of the alloy, as well as radically reducing the waste and the amount of the CO2 emission in the environment. The project will be based on the technological development of the Norwegian enterprise "Clean Metal Processes" AS. Within the framework of the project it is planned to carry out an experimental development for the adaptation of this technology to the industrial scale, demonstration of the possibilities of the production technology to achieve the necessary quality of the material and perform other works to implement this technology in the production after this project. Projects’ goal corresponds with aims specified in Sustainable Development Strategy of Latvia until 2030.
Summary of project results
Company "EPM Rīga" was founded in 2010 with the aim to develop and commercialize scientific developments in a number of industries. In 2015 the company started implementing a project “Technological development of silicon manufacturing waste of silicon - aluminum ligature” supported by the Norway grants. The aim of the project was further development of technology for the production of the silicon – aluminium alloy from the waste of the crystalline silicon production. The project was based on the technological development of the Norwegian enterprise "Clean Metal Processes" AS. Within the framework of the project an experimental development for the adaptation of this technology to the industrial scale were done, as well demonstration of the possibilities of the production technology to achieve the necessary quality of the material. In 2017, SIA “EPM Rīga” plans to begin sale of silicon aluminum master alloys obtained from silicon production waste to metallurgical enterprises, as well as provide consulting on implementation of this technology in manufacturing companies. The technology developed by SIA “EPM Rīga” was tested in industrial conditions, and not only significantly reduces melting costs and energy consumption, but also provides a higher degree of precision for specific alloy compositions and reduces silicon waste and CO2 emissions to the environment.
Summary of bilateral results
As a Partner of the project, AS Clean Metal Processes contributed towards achieving the project's goals, included the following activites: - organized and hosted visits to industrial sites in Norway (3 visits) and to Ukraine (2 visits); - contacted suppliers and potential customers; - visited Latvian test site and project sub-contractors Institute of Physics of Univeristy of Latvia; - investment search - made several discussions with potential investors from Norway, Latvia, Ukraine; - attempted and submitted 2 Horizon2020 projects with related thematic; - contacted and proposed to participate to 3 accelerators and/or incubators in Norway; - helped to represent company and the project in various public events and contact brokerages, including Baltic Green Innovation Forum (that was organized within Green Industry Innovation programme in Latvia).