«Research on emissions is highly valuable»

However, he adds, “The prerequisite is that in all new capture projects, one adheres to and makes use of this important knowledge already in the early planning phase.»

When the planned full-scale project at Mongstad came on the drawing board in 2008. Pedersen had the opportunity to delve into a new and exciting field for him.

«One major risk factor of the project was whether emissions of amines and the formation of nitrosamines and nitramines in the atmosphere posed such a significant cancer risk to the population that the technology had to be abandoned. Through collaboration between researchers at UiO, NILU, TCM, and international experts. Effective tools and methods were developed. This has created the necessary confidence in carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a crucial contribution to the fight against climate change,» he emphasizes.

Emissions permit with strict regulations

The emissions permit applicable to TCM’s operations is issued by the Norwegian Environment Agency. And follows the recommended exposure limits for nitrosamines and nitramines in air and drinking water set by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI). FHI recently updated its report from 2011, and the same limit values have been retained.

«In our efforts to develop sound assessment methods, we relied on the conservative limit values provided by the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (FHI) for guidance. Based on the properties of one of the most carcinogenic substances, nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), limit values were established for concentrations in air of up to 0.3 nanograms per cubic meter and in water of up to 4 nanograms per liter of drinking water, measured as the sum of nitrosamines and nitramines. The corresponding cancer risk is one case per million people over a lifetime of 75 years.»

Steinar Pedersen emphasizes the importance of the emission expertise held by TCM and the strict regime that applies to testing both mature and new carbon capture technologies in this regard. Research and development of reliable methods for measurement and continuous monitoring during testing thus make emissions a crucial parameter for the industry when selecting suitable technology for a capture plant.

Informative MEA campaigns

Knowledge about emission measurement has also been important for a total of three periods of open test campaigns at TCM using the capture solvent MEA (Mono Ethanol Amine) organized by the company’s owners. Pedersen participated in a working group that planned and carried out the last campaign in 2017. In addition to studying methods for reducing pollution levels in the treated gas leaving the process, the work provided valuable insights into potential process improvements and the possibility of achieving a high CO₂ capture rate from an emission source.

«In addition, the campaign provided us with important learning and understanding both regarding energy consumption and efficiency, and about the performance of the capture solvent over long-term operation. By documenting these experiences in scientific publications and presenting them in professional forums, TCM has contributed to setting a benchmark for amine-based carbon capture that has benefitted the entire international CCS community.»

«You have been following TCM from the planning and construction of the facility until today. Has the operation met the expectations you and other professionals had for what was supposed to happen?»

«I would say that TCM has actually exceeded expectations. The rationale behind this is that over the years, a market for functional capture technologies has been created. This is a result of suppliers being able to take the final and highly demanding step towards commercialization. And sale of technologies to the industry through testing at the facility. Furthermore, it is worth emphasizing that TCM, through the establishment of its 3rd site, also provides space for developers of less mature technologies to test how these function under real physical conditions. Moreover, TCM’s position as a world-leading center for carbon capture is confirmed by the large number of visitors who come to learn and be inspired by highly competent professionals.»

«The International Energy Agency (IEA) estimates that to meet the climate goals by 2050, 1.7 billion tons of CO₂ must be removed directly from the air and water, and 6 billion tons of CO₂ must be removed through conventional carbon capture and storage (CCS). With today’s CCS plants, only 50 million tons are managed globally. What do you think is needed to accelerate development?»

«Through research, development, and testing, technologies have been created that are applicable to capturing large volumes of CO₂. In my opinion, the challenge now primarily lies on the market side. The climate challenge is global, but the willingness to pay the price that can solve the problems is not yet strong enough. Nevertheless, Norway is leading the way with Langskip, and exciting capture and storage projects are being developed in several other countries. Therefore, I am optimistic, both regarding CCS and measures that contribute to reducing the footprint of the energy we use. At Equinor, we are investing broadly across the entire value chain with major projects in energy carriers such as solar, wind, and hydrogen, and we are not alone among the major players in working diligently towards climate-friendly energy solutions. And fortunately, there are still some years left until 2050.»