He has grown alongside TCM

Gelein De Koeijer has recently turned fifty, yet he is considered a veteran in the international CCS community. As a researcher and specialist in CO₂ capture at Equinor, he has followed the technology center at Mongstad from its conceptual stage, through construction, startup, and subsequent follow-up for 12 years. Now, he has been tasked with summarizing everything achieved through technology testing in a scientific article for the upcoming GHGT conference.

“What sparked your interest in CO₂ capture?”

”It probably began when I, at a young age, read “The Limits to Growth,” which made a strong impression on me. Here, the authors discussed, using data simulation, the possibility of exponential economic and population growth with limited access to resources. When pollution and climate change became topics in the 1990s, I was motivated to study chemical engineering at the Delft University of Technology (Netherlands), followed by a PhD in thermodynamics at NTNU (Norway). This academic background led to my employment at Statoil (Equinor) in 2002, focusing on CO₂ capture research. It has been so challenging and exciting that I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”

«How was your first encounter with TCM?»

”Inthe fall of 2006, the government and Equinor agreed to initiate the CO₂ capture project at Mongstad. At that time, I had four years of experience with laboratory and pilot systems, was young and eager, and ready for bigger adventures. A few weeks after the agreement was made, I became part of a team tasked with exploring the alternatives from a technological perspective. In the spring of 2007, I visited what would become TCM at Mongstad for the first time, and since then, I have grown alongside the company.”

“Can you highlight the most rewarding work you’ve done for TCM?”

“The vision for TCM was politically driven, bold, and ambitious. There were many discussions because of the numerous uncertainties and high risks involved. However, after the plan for a large-scale facility had to be abandoned, the greatest joy and most rewarding aspect have been witnessing the redefined vision gradually becoming a reality. One supplier, one technology, and one testing campaign at a time have proven successful, particularly with the successful testing of Aker’s amine technology. Looking back, it is evident that TCM has fulfilled its ambitions and continues to evolve positively. However, this was far from guaranteed when we embarked on this journey after the grand opening in 2012.“

Name: Gelein De Koeijer

Age: 51

Marital status: Married, two children

Education: MSc in Chemical Engineering from Delft University of Technology, Netherlands (1997), PhD in Physical Chemistry from NTNU, Norway (2002).

Position: Specialist R&D CO₂ capture i Equinor

Affiliation with TCM: Longstanding representative from Equinor during the design and construction of TCM and on TCM’s Technical Committee (TC). Currently serves as an deputy member from Equinor on the Company Meeting (Board) at TCM.

”Throughout your career, you’ve worked for Equinor on research activities related to carbon capture and storage, and you’ve authored around 30 scientific publications.

What would you highlight as the most rewarding and interesting aspects of this work at TCM?”

”The most challenging project for me was obtaining TCM’s emission permit approval from the Norwegian Environment Agency and getting the method behind it accepted. This occurred during a hectic period around 2010. TCM, Equinor, and our partners put in a lot of effort to develop a toolbox that reduced the risk of emissions of potentially carcinogenic components. The maturation process actually went quite quickly, and research results were immediately implemented, with excellent cooperation with the authorities. Suppliers and research institutions did a fantastic job, but it wasn’t always easy. The method we developed has since been adapted and used in countries such as the UK and USA, illustrating the value of what we achieved.”

”What projects are you currently working on, and what are the main challenges involved?”

“In general, I aim to make TCM as useful as possible for Equinor, approaching this in two ways. Firstly, I disseminate results and experiences from TCM internally, ensuring that our operations are informed and able to make the best decisions. This has been instrumental for the CO₂ capture projects Equinor is engaged in at three gas-fired power plants in the UK. Another approach is to explore research conducted by various startups, seeking out next-generation  CO₂capture technologies that could be tested at TCM.

This year, I’ve also been tasked by the owners of TCM to be the lead author of a scientific article providing an overview of what we have achieved through technology testing at the facility since its inception in 2012. This article will be presented at the GHGT conference in Canada in October. Academic work always takes time, but it is both disciplined and meaningful. I hope it will be a worthwhile and comprehensive document.”

”What would you say has been particularly demanding in the work of CO₂ capture?”

”It was challenging to maintain motivation around 2013 – 2015, when CCS faced headwinds and many projects were halted. However, at TCM, we managed to keep things moving and learned a lot during that period. This led the TCM owner  companies, along with research institutions, to plan and conduct several open test campaigns, with the results made available to all interested parties. In hindsight, this has proven to be extremely valuable, both in showcasing TCM’s expertise and, more importantly, in contributing to the development of more refined technologies now being deployed in numerous full-scale projects worldwide. Overall, I believe there is ample reason to view CO₂ capture and storage as a crucial tool in the fight against climate change with great optimism. There have never been as many initiatives and projects in progress as there are now.”

”In what way have test campaigns conducted at TCM contributed to strengthening the technological understanding within Equinor?”

”The test campaigns at TCM have significantly contributed to the development of a market for capture technologies. Thanks to TCM, Equinor can now procure mature technologies in a competitive environment. Furthermore, the hands-on experience of building, operating, and managing TCM has provided deep insights into all the crucial details required to operate a full-scale plant. Being able to closely monitor technological developments from the front row gives Equinor a competitive advantage when selecting the best available capture solutions for the various projects we are involved in.”

”Which technical subjects do you believe still lack testing and viable solutions, and how can TCM play a significant role in addressing this?”

”The CCS industry needs more knowledge about the “dispatchable operation” of a gas power plant with CCS, meaning how the operation of a capture facility can be adjusted to follow electricity production from solar and wind. CO₂-negative technology is another field that requires viable solutions. Additionally, new ideas for capture technologies are always emerging, where the expertise held by TCM could be relevant.”

”Looking back on TCM’s operations since its inception in 2012, what do those who have worked there and continue to work there have the most reason to be proud of in general?”

”TCM has become the premier site for suppliers and researchers to test their technologies before introducing them for full-scale use. Almost all suppliers currently delivering competitive technologies have been at Mongstad. In this way, TCM has become a “gold standard” for the development of CO₂ capture technology. This is thanks to an incredible amount of dedication and hard work, with a steadfast focus on quality, since its opening in 2012.”

”What is your wish for TCM in the years to come?”

”TCM is undergoing challenging changes to ensure economic sustainability in its operations. The key to success in this transition is to remain technologically relevant and mature alongside the CCS industry, both in terms of the content of its offerings and the financing of projects. I am convinced that TCM will play a significant role for many years to come.”