Silicon amongst the latest Critical Materials added to the U.S. Department of Energy 2023 Critical Materials List
On July 31, 2023, the U.S. Department of Energy released its 2023 Final Critical Materials List, with Silicon and Silicon Carbide are among the latest additions. The list is based on the most recent 2023 DOE Critical Materials Assessment report which outlines key in demand and increasing demand energy products and their materials needed to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. This directly aligns with Sio Silica’s proposed project and the recent RCT Solutions MOU’s announced for a solar panel manufacturing facility in Manitoba utilizing Sio’s high purity silica supply.
The Assessment highlights the increasing demand for Electric Vehicle’s (“EV’s”), silicon-based power electronics and increased demand for silicon carbide based electronics largely used in EVs for inverters and charging infrastructure.
Among other items is a focus on crystalline silicon inputs for photovoltaic production. “Solar photovoltaics (PVs) currently contribute 3.6% of global electricity generation and 4.5% of U.S. generation. To achieve net-zero carbon emission goals, the share of solar energy supply needs to reach 23% globally and approximately 45% in the United States by 2050.” – (US DOE, CMA, 2023)
The report also examines timelines for how critical these minerals and materials will become in the short and medium term future (2025-2035). “Aluminum, copper, and silicon become near critical in the medium term due to increased demand in solar energy technologies, global electrification, and vehicle lightweighting.” – (US DOE, CMA, 2023)
Sio Silica President and CEO, Feisal Somji, commented that “We are excited to see Silicon and Silicon Carbide on the 2023 Critical Materials List. This aligns with our efforts to bring high purity silica to the market to help meet this growing demand. As announced in Spring 2023, we are working with our partners, RCT Solutions to bring a 10GW solar panel manufacturing to Manitoba. The government of Manitoba, Minister Jeff Wharton, also announced last week it’s support and involvement in the proposed solar panel manufacturing project.”
About Sio Silica
Sio Silica is a Canadian silica sand producer and supplier committed to offering superior products and practicing sustainable development. Our silica is a unique natural resource that replaces manufactured silica. It is the primary invisible ingredient that keeps our society running. Sio Silica is unique and known for its green extraction and processing activities, making it the greenest sand mine in the world. Our extraction of silica is an innovative patent-pending method that does not require truck traffic, no surface mining, no tunneling, or dust generation. Combined with our state-of-the-art facility using renewable electricity, natural gas, and efficient processing, Sio Silica is making great inroads contributing to a low-carbon future.