Kathrine makes TCM’s shift plans work!

Kathrine joined TCM in 2024 as Team Leader Operation and Maint, bringing with her a wealth of experience from the oil and gas industry. The 44-year-old thrives in a fast-paced environment where close collaboration is key and expectations for the results of CO₂ capture tests are high.

Kathrine Sætre has broad experience from the oil and gas industry. Last year, she started in the position of Team Leader Operation and Maint at TCM. “More people need to gain insight into the important work being done here, and how much it means in the fight against climate change,” she says in this interview.

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

“I participated in Equinor’s leadership development program for first-line managers, where I was challenged to apply for the shift leader position at TCM. It was an exciting opportunity, so I jumped at the chance!”

“What did you know about TCM before you started?”

“I knew that Equinor had a strong focus on CO₂ reduction and the green shift, but I didn’t know much about what TCM was doing, other than that they worked with carbon capture technology. Now that I’m here, I find it incredibly rewarding to be part of something so important, concrete, and forward-looking.”

“What is the most exciting part of your job, Kathrine?”

“I enjoy taking responsibility for planning across departments and contributing to collaboration in a compact, competent organization. Staffing is like a puzzle that must be put together again and again, and it’s both challenging and interesting. When we run campaigns with customers testing new technology, it’s especially exciting to see how the operations team solves complex test matrices.”

“What does a typical workday look like for you?”

“The day starts with a conversation with the control room about the night’s operations and any challenges. Then, we have a morning meeting with the various departments. The rest of the day is spent on a lot of collaboration, risk assessments, planning, and execution.”

“How does your education and experience benefit your job?”

“I have vocational certificates as both a process technician and a lab technician, and I’ve worked both offshore and on land. This helps me understand the workday and challenges from the operators’ perspective. Additionally, I’ve been responsible for apprentices, which has given me experience in planning, follow-up, and relationship-building – all of which come in handy as a shift leader.”

“Is there a project you’re particularly proud of?”

“I haven’t been at TCM for very long. The Honeywell campaign, which recently concluded, was my first full test. There were many challenges both before and after the campaign, especially with the solvent. I was really impressed by how skilled everyone here is and how much valuable knowledge they brought from previous campaigns, which helped solve both small and bigger challenges.”

“Who do you work most closely with?”

“I mostly work with shift personnel, leadership, and the technical department. I think we collaborate really well – there are a lot of talented people here, and we achieve a lot together.”

“How do you experience being a woman in a male-dominated work environment?”

“I’ve never really seen it as a problem. I’ve worked with men since I was 18, and I enjoy it. They often think a bit differently than women, and that can be both useful and fun.”

“What brings you the most joy and energy at work?”

“Humor and laughter! And when we solve challenges together as a team and see good ideas come to life.”

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

“It’s making the staffing puzzle work, especially with a small operations team. If someone is absent, we’re vulnerable.”

“If you could give a flower to a colleague, who would get it?”

“I would give a big flower to those who work 24/7, who are away from their families during weekends and holidays. They were also incredibly patient when I started, sharing their knowledge freely. I’m really grateful for that support.”

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

“Most don’t know much about TCM, but they think it sounds exciting. Many still mention “the moon landing” – that still lingers! That’s why it’s important to highlight that technology testing at Mongstad has been crucial for realizing the Longship project, with full-scale CO₂ capture at the cement plant in Brevik being the first step. The same applies to many other CCS projects around the world. CO₂ capture and storage is essential for meeting the goals of the Paris Agreement. More people need to be aware of the important work happening at TCM and how much it means in the fight against climate change.”

“How do you recharge after a long day?”

“After work, it’s all about family, our dog Nala, exercise, hiking, and a bit of gardening. I like to stay active but also enjoy quiet moments.”

“Do you have any dreams for the future?”

“First and foremost, I hope my children will have a safe and good future. For myself, the most important thing is to be able to do a good job and stay healthy. But I also dream of backpacking through South America for three to four months. That would be a once-in-a-lifetime experience!”