Climate Notes: Silicon – A Raw Material with a Difference

As a basic raw material for the production of microchips or solar cells, for example, silicon is becoming increasingly central to numerous key technologies. However, since it is produced in highly concentrated regions, supplying the world with the raw material is difficult. In addition, the production process is very energy-intensive and has considerable negative effects on the environment. Alternative materials and technologies already have great potential for the near future, both from an efficiency and environmental point of view.