From sunny Greece to Carbon Capture at Mongstad: A Journey of Purpose and Passion

As a CO₂ Capture Technologist at TCM, Dimitrios plays a key role in tackling one of the planet’s greatest challenges: climate change. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, what drives him, and how he balances work and life in Norway.

“How did you become part of the TCM team?”

“I was introduced to TCM by Christina Martavaltzi, a former TCMer. She’s also from Greece and an alumna of AUTh. I met Christina here in Bergen while she was looking for new recruits for her Business Development department. What attracted me to TCM was its leading role in carbon capture technology and its focus on sustainability.”

“How has it been to move from sunny Greece to cold and rainy Norway?”

“It’s not as bad as people think. Winters in Greece can also be cold—for instance, it snowed in Thessaloniki last week. The cold here isn’t unbearable, and Bergen’s weather is milder than in other parts of Norway. But it rains a lot! The toughest part, though, is the lack of a proper summer.”

“What was the most surprising thing about Norwegian culture or lifestyle when you first arrived?”

“Having spent five months as an exchange student in Stockholm in 2012, I already had a good sense of the Scandinavian lifestyle and culture. However, one thing I wasn’t prepared for was the sheer variety of Norwegian dialects and accents—it’s fascinating but also challenging!”

“What inspired you to work with carbon capture?”

“I wanted to work on something meaningful that focuses on sustainability and the future. Growing up in Greece, I saw firsthand how environmental challenges can affect daily life. Carbon capture is a critical part of the solution for combating climate change, and it’s a step toward a better future.”

“How did your previous role as a Process Engineer at C Solutions prepare you for your current role at TCM?

“Working as a Process Engineer at C Solutions taught me to think critically and work in a structured, methodical way. I also gained hands-on experience with processes that are directly relevant to carbon capture, which helped me transition smoothly into my role at TCM.”

“What is the most exciting aspect of your job at TCM?”

“One of the most exciting parts of my job is coordinating campaigns. It involves reaching out to people, explaining problems, gathering information, and coming up with plans or solutions. It’s challenging at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding when everything comes together.”

“Can you share a specific project or campaign at TCM that you’re particularly proud of?”

“I have been deeply involved in the MOF4AIR and Svante campaigns. While I am not the primary coordinator for these campaigns, they have been essential to my training and onboarding process. I take great pride in the contributions I’ve made to both projects.”

Name: Dimitrios Siozos (formal), but they call me Dimitris (34)

Marital Status: Married

From: Ioannina, Greece

Job: CO₂ Capture Technologist

Education: Master’s degree, Chemical Engineering, from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece

Work Experience: CO₂ Capture Technologist at TCM from June 2024 to present.
Process Engineer at C Solutions (2015 – 2023)

Good at: Planning, fixing stuff

Cannot stand: Poetry and my wife’s music taste

Hobby: Dancing, Music, Padel, Cooking, Gaming

Dreams of: A house close to nature, kids, dogs and maybe a small farm

“What do your family and friends say about your job?”

“They’re proud of me, though not all of them fully understand what I do. The people closest to me have the best understanding, and they support me wholeheartedly.”

“What gives you energy and joy at work?”

“Learning new things every day is a big motivator for me. I also love meeting like-minded people and having the chance to engage in meaningful conversations about engineering and science.”

“What do you think is the biggest challenge in your work?”

“Adapting to a new environment, a new language, and new people has been the biggest challenge. It’s something everyone goes through when starting in a new place, but it gets easier over time.”

“If you were to give a colleague a flower, who would it be—and why?”

“I would give it to Anette Knarvik, my onboarding buddy and onsite manager. She was incredibly supportive, explaining so much and helping me navigate the frustrations of starting something new. She’s about to become a mother, and I wish her all the best!”

“What do you value most about your colleagues at TCM?”

“Their openness, patience, and welcoming attitude make me feel like I truly belong. These are three things I value the most.”

“How do you recharge after a long day at work?”

“I usually take a nap on the bus ride home, which helps me recharge a bit. One or two days a week, I play padel with colleagues after work—it’s a great way to blow off steam. When I get home, I take my dog for a walk, and sometimes I cook dinner while sharing a beer or glass of wine with my wife as we talk about our day.”

“What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Norway or starting a career in carbon capture?”

“I highly recommend trying to learn the language and familiarize themselves with the customs. While most Norwegians speak English fluently and communication won’t be an issue, speaking the local language makes it much easier to integrate and feel like part of the community. Even if your Norwegian isn’t perfect, people will appreciate the effort. Also, don’t underestimate the value of networking—it can open many doors in Norway.”

“What plans do you have for the future?”

“My goal is to continue advancing in my career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It might sound simple, but in my experience, it’s not always easy to achieve.”