”TCM has pioneered technological intelligence”

Leila Faramarzi interest in CO₂ capture originates in her academic background and early career in the natural gas processing industry.

“Natural gas processing has many similarities to carbon capture and it provided me with foundational technology insights. As I progressed across various parts of the CCS value chain, I saw the potential to address climate change while fostering collaboration between different industrial sub-sectors. My experience spans beyond hydrocarbons to include steel production and power generation. I see a great opportunity to deploy these technologies across diverse industries to combat  the defining issue of our time i.e., climate change”, says Leila.

“What was your first impression upon meeting TCM?”

“My first encounter with TCM was in April 2015 when I joined the team. I had never been at Mongstad before. The sheer scale of the demonstration plant exceeded my expectations and also how beautifully and practically it was situated between a refinery and a combined cycle gas turbine power plant (CCGT). The integration of the carbon capture plant with the CCGT plant and refinery showcased an impressive design and unparalleled efficiency. Not only was I impressed by the technology, but also by the picturesque landscape surrounding the facility. Overall, it left a lasting impression on me.”

“What sparked your interest in TCM, Leila?”

“My interest in TCM primarily stemmed from a technology perspective. The flexibility offered by TCM was unlike anything I had encountered before. The opportunity to interact with various technology suppliers allowed me to witness different processes in action at a large scale. Additionally, I found the open-access campaigns particularly rewarding. These extended campaigns of several thousands of hours provided valuable insights to industries, academia and regulatory bodies. It was truly remarkable as it enabled both researchers and technology vendors to expand their understanding, embrace new ideas, and improve their offerings.

At certain points, we were mandated by the owners, especially Gassnova, to assist CCS projects in different countries, leveraging the knowledge gained at TCM. We traveled to countries such as China, Korea, Japan, and also various European nations. This presented a unique opportunity to build a strong CCS community globally and gain insights into different cultures, opportunities, and constraints. TCM served as a window to learn about diverse countries and their respective challenges and opportunities, enriching our understanding in a way that was truly exceptional.”

Name: Leila Faramarzi

Age: 45

Marital status: Married

Education: MSc, Natural Gas Transmission and Processing from Petroleum University of Technology, Iran, and PhD, Carbon capture, from DTU – Technical University of Denmark

Present position: Head of Carbon Projects Development, E.ON, Munich, Bavaria, Germany

Affiliation to TCM: Business Development Key Account Manager (2015 – 2019) and Manager of Advisory Services (2019 – 2020)

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

“Singling out one specific project is challenging, but two stand out as particularly rewarding and impactful during my time at TCM.

The first was spearheading the open-access campaigns, involving meticulous analysis of various operational modes to assess how emerging technologies can match the requirements of various emission point sources. This initiative not only brought together diverse industries to TCM but also culminated in the publication of a comprehensive book of papers. Leading two of these campaigns was an exceptional experience, leaving me with invaluable insights to our industry and CCS community as a whole.

The second experience  was establishing the Advisory Services department, disseminating TCM’s knowledge to projects in their nascent stages and shaping their success. In retrospect, these two endeavors — the open-access campaigns and the inception of TCM’s Advisory Services — stand as milestones of my carrier, the ones that I am immensely proud of.”

“Leila, which project are you currently working on at E.ON, and what are the main challenges involved?”

“At E.ON, I’m involved in managing a diverse portfolio of CCS projects across Eureope. While our focus includes decarbonising our existing assets, we’re also committed to advancing CCS solutions across the entire value chain for our external clients and the broader industry. Currently, to develop CCS projects, securing adequate funding remains a challenge, especially in Europe. Additionally, establishing robust CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure requires increased collaboration between governments, regulatory authorities and the industries.”

“What has been particularly demanding in developing business opportunities for CO₂ management?”

“Developing business opportunities in CO₂ management presents significant challenges, including bottlenecks in the infrastructure as well as the absence of a comprehensive regulatory framework and establishing reliable business models.  Regulators must also acknowledge the potential benefits and risks associated with emerging technologies. Capacity-building in CCS must be a priority for the regulators and the governments. Navigating the interplay between technological advancements, regulatory frameworks, and funding mechanisms present a considerable challenge but also great opportunnities.”

“Leila, looking back since its start in 2012, what do people who worked at TCM have reason to be proud of?”

“Reflecting on our journey since 2012, those who have been part of TCM, both past and present, have many reasons to be proud of our achievements. TCM has pioneered what I call ‘technological intelligence,’ offering unparalleled expertise in carbon capture. Our collegues in operations achieved excellence every single day by ensuring the smooth roll out of our technical plans. Additionally, our deep expertise in carbon capture is unparalleled, making TCM a beacon of intelligence in the field.”

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

“My wish for TCM in the years ahead is to deepen its integration with the downstream segments of the value chain. This entails extending our focus beyond the capture and helping projects in comprehensively understanding the nuances of CO₂, particularly concerning CO₂ specification. Addressing this challenge is pivotal, especially in ensuring the integrity of infrastructure. Projects must grasp the quality of CO₂ generated at capture plants, as it significantly influences infrastructure design and integrity.

Additionally, I hope TCM evolves to provide ‘operational intelligence’— a crucial resource as industries embark on their carbon capture journeys. As new projects come on stream, especially in sectors like steel production, which lack operational expertise in this domain, the initial years pose considerable challenges. During the commissioning phase, access to operational expertise becomes invaluable. Therefore, my wish for TCM encompasses two facets: forging stronger connections with downstream stakeholders and offering essential operational guidance to industries navigating the complexities of carbon capture implementation.”