Stockholm-Based GREEN14 Leads the Charge in Sustainable Silicon Production for Solar Industry

Stockholm-based GREEN14 is making strides in its mission to revolutionize solar-grade silicon production. Following a successful lab-scale feasibility study, the company is set to establish a pilot plant using a pioneering quartz reduction process with hydrogen plasma. Emissions are expected to decrease by 60% to 95%, aligning with the company's commitment to sustainability. The technoeconomic analysis suggests the pilot plant will be economically viable, potentially transforming the solar industry. The plant, scheduled to be commissioned at KTH, signifies GREEN14's dedication to academic collaboration and clean energy innovation. Founder Adam Podgorski anticipates a significant positive environmental impact.

Green 14 is pioneering a sustainable shift in silicon production methods, potentially revolutionizing the solar panel manufacturing industry. Their innovative approach, protected by a patented solution, seeks to redefine how silicon is extracted from quartz. Unlike the traditional reliance on coal, Green 14 utilizes green hydrogen, a cleaner energy source, to convert silicon dioxide into silicon. This transition significantly reduces energy consumption and replaces carbon dioxide emissions with water vapor, offering a more environmentally friendly alternative.

"This is what the initial design of a reactor producing the world's first kg/hour of green solar grade silicon looks like. When we succeed we will have silicon with up to 95 percent GHG reduction at a cost lower than the leading Chinese producers." Source Green14 LinkedIn.

Green 14's primary goal is to reduce the carbon footprint associated with solar panel production, addressing the inherent environmental challenges in the industry. In a world where fossil fuels dominate manufacturing processes, Green 14's commitment to eco-conscious innovation signifies a potential shift toward a greener future.

Their recent successful lab tests mark a promising step forward. However, their most significant project lies ahead—an ambitious eight-meter-high test reactor set to be constructed at the Department of Materials Science at KTH. This project aims to scale up production and transition from batch processing to a more efficient continuous manufacturing process. The ultimate objective is to produce high-purity silicon on a larger scale, potentially setting new industry standards.

While Green 14 maintains the confidentiality of their innovative technology, their use of hydrogen plasma as a reducing agent and operation at temperatures of 3,000 degrees Celsius underline their commitment to technological advancement. The hope is that this approach will not only prove cost-effective but also more energy-efficient and environmentally sustainable compared to prevalent manufacturing methods, which often rely heavily on fossil fuels and are largely concentrated in China.

The estimated cost of the pilot facility at 20 million Swedish kronor reflects Green 14's earnest endeavor to introduce this transformative technology. Pending grant approvals from the Swedish Energy Agency and Vinnova, Green 14 is poised to make a significant impact on the future of solar panel manufacturing. The pilot facility, expected to commence operations soon, signifies a pivotal step toward a more sustainable and cleaner energy future.

About GREEN14

GREEN14 is a pioneering technology company committed to developing innovative solutions for a sustainable future. With a focus on renewable energy, GREEN14 is revolutionizing the production of solar grade silicon through its groundbreaking quartz reduction process. By combining cutting-edge technology with a commitment to environmental stewardship, GREEN14 is driving the transition to a low-carbon economy and paving the way for a cleaner, brighter future.

Sources:
General 2 — Green14
Green 14 vill tillverka grönt kisel för solceller – bygger testreaktor på KTH (nyteknik.se)