Quality is his Top Priority

Matthew emphasizes the importance of a structured approach in their daily operations, managing new technologies through rigorous testing and meticulous planning to achieve consistent excellence.

Matthew Campbell started at TCM in 2019 and has been the Technology Manager since 2022. ”TCM has evolved significantly over the last years”, he says in this interview.

“Matthew, can you describe your first encounter with TCM and how it influenced your decision to join the team?”

”My first encounter with TCM was back in 2014 when I was working as a technology vendor. I visited TCM to discuss a potential test campaign and ensure that all requirements would be met. I was impressed by the team’s high level of competence and their focused, effective way of working. That experience left a strong impression on me, so when the opportunity to join TCM came five years later, I didn’t hesitate — even though it was heavy rain when I visited Mongstad for the first time!”

“When you joined TCM as a Principal Technologist Consultant in 2019, what aspects of the role were most appealing to you, and how did they align with your career goals?”

”The chance to work at TCM, a leader in CO₂ capture, was the first thing that excited me about the role. My career goals are very much aligned with advancing CO₂ capture and CCS technologies, so this position was a perfect fit. My expertise in CO₂ capture and the deployment of these technologies has been invaluable, and my goals have continued to evolve since joining the team.”

“After working on CO₂ capture technologies at Shell Cansolv for over 14 years, what key lessons or experiences did you bring with you to TCM, and how have they shaped your work here?”

”My 14 years at Shell Cansolv gave me a deep understanding of the technical aspects of CO₂ capture and taught me the importance of structured thinking. I learned how to prioritize effectively and navigate challenges in complex situations. These lessons have been incredibly valuable in my role at TCM, helping me to make informed decisions and drive projects forward.”

“Matthew, what does a typical day as Technology Manager at TCM look like, and how do you balance strategic planning with hands-on technical work?”

”As Technology Manager, my top priority is ensuring that everything TCM is involved in, from a technical standpoint, is delivered with the highest quality. I work with a team, both onsite and remotely, to deliver test campaigns and provide technical input for Advisory Services and EU-funded consortiums. Each day is different, but we maintain a structured work process to manage new technologies in both testing and planning phases.”

Name: Matthew Campbell

Age: 44

Marital status: Married, one child

Education: Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Chemical Engineering from the McGill University in Montreal, Canada,

Position: Technology Manager since 2022

“How would you describe the collaboration across TCM in the planning and execution of test campaigns?”

”Collaboration is crucial at TCM. We have various teams — Technology, Operations, Engineering and Modifications, HSE/QR, and Finance and Administration — working together on every phase of a test campaign. Effective communication is key, so we’ve developed various platforms to facilitate this. Our onsite testing manager plays a pivotal role in ensuring smooth communication across all teams.”

“What are the top priorities on your agenda this autumn, and how do they align with TCM’s long-term goals?”

”This autumn, we have important tests lined up at the amine plant, including one with a proprietary solvent and another with the open-source CESAR1 solvent. These tests are crucial for further reducing CO₂ capture costs, which aligns with TCM’s long-term goals. We’re also starting to explore advanced research on CO₂ compression, including testing impurity levels and material compatability, which will be vital for CCS moving forward.”

“As a Technology Manager, how do you foster innovation and collaboration within your team? What leadership principles guide your work?”

”I believe in trusting my team and giving them the freedom to come up with ideas and solutions. I actively review their proposals, providing feedback and guidance, but I always encourage teamwork and collaboration. This approach leads to the best results, not just within my team but across all of TCM. Recognizing and leveraging each individual’s skills is essential for our success.”

“Matthew, in your five years at TCM, how have you seen the organization evolve, particularly in terms of technology and strategic focus?”

”Since our current Managing Director, Muhammad Ismail Shah, took the helm, TCM has evolved significantly. We’ve become more sustainable, and there’s a stronger focus on teamwork and making strategic decisions that benefit both TCM and the industry. The working environment has improved, and I believe most of us are optimistic about TCM 2.0 after 2026.”

“What do you see as the biggest risks or challenges facing TCM today, and how is the organization mitigating them?”

”Our biggest challenge is maintaining the right level of staffing and expertise while managing economic constraints. Delivering high-quality work and preserving TCM’s reputation is critical. We’re working closely as a management team to make necessary decisions to ensure TCM’s success moving forward.”

“How do you see TCM’s work influencing the broader energy and environmental sectors, particularly in the transition to low-carbon technologies?”

”In the next 30 to 40 years, I believe CCS will be essential, even as renewables and other options become more impactful. The industry needs TCM for our flexibility, experience, and ability to support the deployment of CCS projects. Our work in operator training and technology de-risking is critical, and I see TCM playing a significant role in the future of low-carbon technologies.”

“What emerging technologies or trends are you most excited about, and how might they shape the future of CO₂ capture, Matthew?”

”I’m particularly excited about trials that focus on cost reduction in CO₂ capture. While amine technologies are well-established, there’s still room for improvement. We’re looking at emerging technologies like rotating packed beds and novel solvents that could significantly reduce costs. Breakthroughs in non-aqueous solvents, membrane absorption, and other innovations could take CO₂ capture to the next level, and I’m thrilled that TCM is at the forefront of this research.”

“Looking ahead, what is your vision for TCM’s future? What key milestones do you hope to achieve, and what gives you optimism about reaching them?”

”We’ve built something remarkable at TCM. Our amine plant is the only facility in the world capable of testing different solvents with various configurations at a 12bmegawatt equivalent scale. I believe TCM will continue to be essential for testing technologies for global energy and environmental initiatives. I’m optimistic that we’ll find a lasting purpose for the TCM facility, not just in CO₂ capture but also in supporting emerging technologies and advancing our understanding of CO₂ compression and purification. The industry recognizes our value, and I’m confident we’ll continue to thrive for many years to come.”