WACKER CHEMIE O.N.
Commented by Nico Popp on June 17th, 2026 | 06:40 CEST
The Direct Path to High-Purity Silicon: How HPQ Silicon Boosts Efficiency for Companies Like Wacker Chemie and Panasonic
Low-quality anode materials, high energy prices, and the Chinese monopoly on complex processes—the situation surrounding the supply of high-performance battery cells and their raw materials is forcing the industry to take action. To increase the energy density of next-generation electric vehicle batteries, the automotive industry needs to transition from conventional graphite anodes to high-purity silicon anode materials. Graphite systems are reaching their physical limits, while silicon compounds promise a theoretical charge capacity up to 10 times higher. However, since established multi-step synthesis processes are complex and expensive, the focus is shifting toward low-carbon, energy-efficient alternatives. We explain the background and introduce a solution.
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Commented by Armin Schulz on April 29th, 2026 | 07:10 CEST
Nel ASA, HPQ Silicon, Wacker Chemie: The Energy Transition Faces a Silicon Bottleneck – Time to Invest
Europe's hydrogen revolution hinges on critical micromaterials such as silicon for electrolysers and fumed silica as a thermal stabilizer in fuel cells. The EU currently imports around 80% of these materials from Asia, but the Critical Raw Materials Act now mandates 40% local value creation by 2030. Whoever closes this supply gap can effectively turn geopolitical risk into returns. We take a closer look at how Nel ASA, HPQ Silicon, and Wacker Chemie are scaling fumed silica, high-purity silicon, and electrolyser technologies profitably.
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Commented by Stefan Feulner on September 21st, 2021 | 12:22 CEST
LPKF Laser, Almonty Industries, Wacker Chemie - Brilliant growth
During the last TV debate before the federal elections, the topic of climate protection was hotly debated. In her closing statement, the Green Party candidate said that "as Chancellor, she stands for real change, not doing things by halves when it comes to climate protection." Decarbonization must come about as quickly as possible. However, looking at the current stagnation in the expansion of the infrastructure for renewable energies on the one hand and the shortage of raw materials needed for this on the other, one should at least seriously question the ambitious goal.
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