Elkem

Regulatory Filings • Oct 6, 2023

Norwegian state budget for 2024 and impacts on Elkem

Norwegian state budget for 2024 and impacts on Elkem

On 6 October, the Norwegian government presented its state budget proposal for

2024. The proposal contains elements potentially affecting Elkem's activities in

Norway.

CO2 compensation is a government scheme provided to avoid carbon leakage, i.e.

where European industry is shut down and moved to countries without CO2

emissions tariffs, causing increased global emissions as well as the loss of

green industrial jobs.

This applies to Elkem in Norway as compensation for CO2 costs included in the

pricing of the CO2-free renewable power used in Elkem's Norwegian production of

silicon and ferrosilicon. The compensation in Norway has already been reduced to

a significantly lower level than what is available in other EU countries.

The Norwegian government has today proposed to raise the deductible quota price

floor in the scheme from NOK 200 to NOK 375. If finally approved by the

parliament, this will have a negative one-off impact on Elkem's results in the

third quarter 2023 of approximately NOK 170 million, and a negative impact of

approximately NOK 220 million per year going forward compared to the 2022 level.

"Today's announcement from the Norwegian government significantly reduces the

attractiveness of future investments in Norway compared to other parts of the

world. This is surprising and disappointing in a period where high energy costs

have already led to a widespread shutdown of industrial activites across Europe.

We now have to evaluate what this means for our current and future investment

plans at our production sites in Norway," says Elkem's CEO Helge Aasen.

The Norwegian government has previously proposed to enter into a dialogue with

the industry about introducing potential requirements in the scheme connected to

emission reductions and energy efficiency. Elkem is positive to contribute in

such a dialogue, but the government has so far not provided any specific

timeline or plan for this process.

"Norway is the leading supplier of silicon metal to the EU, with a market share

of close to 40 per cent for a material which is on the EU Commission list of

Critical Raw Materials. We experience growing interest for European supplies of

such materials. Competitive framework conditions are key for Norway to further

develop its role as a leading and trusted supplier of metals and minerals for

the green and digital transitions in Europe, and a robust and predictable CO2

compensation scheme is an important prerequisite for continued investments,"

says Aasen.

Elkem has six production sites in Norway: Salten, Rana, Thamshavn, Bremanger,

Bjølvefossen and Kristiansand. These operations employ around 1,500 people, in

addition to contractors and external suppliers, which makes Elkem an important

employer in these local communities and regions. Elkem has invested around NOK

10 billion in Norway over the past ten years.

For further information, please contact:

Odd-Geir Lyngstad

VP Finance & Investor Relations

Tel: +47 976 72 806

Email: odd-geir.lyngstad@elkem.com

Fredrik Norman

VP Corporate Communications & Public Affairs

Tel: +47 918 66 567

E-mail: fredrik.norman@elkem.com

About Elkem

Elkem is one of the world's leading providers of advanced silicon-based

materials shaping a better and more sustainable future. The company develops

silicones, silicon products and carbon solutions by combining natural raw

materials, renewable energy and human ingenuity. Elkem helps its customers

create and improve essential innovations like electric mobility, digital

communications, health and personal care as well as smarter and more sustainable

cities. With a strong track record since 1904, its global team of more than

7,300 people has a joint commitment to stakeholders: Delivering your potential.

In 2022, Elkem achieved an operating income of NOK 45.9 billion and CDP ratings

of A- on climate and forest. Elkem is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange (ticker:

ELK), where the company is also included in the ESG Index. www.elkem.com