ReSiLient – Innovative Primary Substitution and Secondary Valorisation Routes for Europe’s Silicon and Silicon Carbide Semiconductor Raw Material Value Chains
The ReSiLient project was launched to strengthen Europe’s access to critical raw materials for semiconductor production. Silicon (Si) and silicon carbide (SiC) are essential for modern technologies such as solar panels, electronics, renewable energy systems, and energy-efficient power electronics. These materials are important for both the digital and green transitions. Both Si and SiC are produced from quartz.
Background of the project
Europe currently produces only a small share of the world’s metallurgical-grade silicon and is highly dependent on imports. At the same time, the demand for Si and SiC is growing rapidly. High-quality quartz is a key raw material for producing silicon and silicon carbide, but access to suitable resources is limited. This creates a risk for Europe’s future supply of materials needed for semiconductors and other strategic industries.
Another challenge is that current production methods have a large environmental footprint. There is therefore a need for more sustainable and resilient value chains based on European resources.
ReSiLient aims to improve Europe’s supply of Si and SiC by developing new and sustainable processing routes. The project will use both primary mineral resources and secondary raw materials from industrial waste streams. This will help reduce import dependency, increase resource efficiency, and lower environmental impacts.
Coordination and partners
SINTEF coordinates the project and leads a multidisciplinary consortium of 18 partners from 10 countries. SINTEF contributes expertise in raw materials, silicon production, plasma refining, and materials characterization. The institute is developing technologies for refining recycled silicon and for producing sustainable silicon and silicon carbide from alternative raw material sources. SINTEF also leads activities related to mapping European raw material resources, analysing material flows, and modelling future supply chains. Through pilot-scale demonstrations and close collaboration with industry partners, SINTEF helps bring the project results closer to commercial use and market adoption.