17.06.2025
Alexander has his dream job at TCM
Alexander Reyes Andersson brought with him a varied professional background when he started as an occupational hygienist at TCM in 2013. But he also had a solid education that fit the role like a glove.
Today, Alexander is responsible for ensuring that all health-related aspects are addressed in the operation of the facility. He approaches his work with curiosity, creativity, and strong professional integrity – and thrives most when he can work independently on complex issues.
“Each testing campaign raises new questions about operations and chemical handling, requiring both insight and precision,” he says in this interview.
“How did you become part of the TCM team?”
“I joined the team in 2013 as a consultant from Proactima. At the time, I had been working on a project at Equinor Mongstad’s chemical center and found the new operations on the other side of the fence very exciting. I became a permanent employee at TCM at the beginning of 2024.”
“What was your knowledge of carbon capture before you started?”
“I actually knew quite a bit about CO2 capture using amines from my chemical engineering studies, so the theoretical foundation was solid. But I had no idea back then that a few years later I would be spending my days working with carbon capture technologies and HSE-related challenges connected to it.”
“What’s the most exciting part of your job at TCM?”
“Definitely the variety of tasks. As an occupational hygienist, I constantly have to familiarize myself with new issues and stay professionally updated. Each test campaign raises new questions about operations and chemical handling, requiring both insight and precision. I also enjoy working on approvals and certifications, even though it sometimes involves a lot of paperwork. In addition, I often represent the company in professional forums and during visits from guests focused on risk assessments related to carbon capture.”
“What does a typical workday look like for you?”
“There’s really no such thing as a typical day. With many ongoing projects and “balls in the air,” every day looks different. I mainly work from the office at Mongstad but also have the flexibility to work from home when that’s more practical. TCM gives us a lot of freedom under responsibility – and I really appreciate that.”
“Who do you collaborate with the most, and how does that cooperation work?”
“My job involves contact with many different internal disciplines – from technical experts and the lab to the operators who run the plant. I’m part of the HSE department, led by Pål Venås, and we’re in daily contact. Collaboration at TCM works very well – the expertise I need is always close at hand.”
“What gives you energy and joy at work?”
“The multicultural environment at TCM gives me a lot of energy. I work with people from virtually every corner of the world, and that’s both inspiring and educational. I also get energy from working independently on demanding tasks. Diving into a complex topic is challenging, but all the more rewarding when you find solutions and understand the bigger picture.”
Name: Alexander Reyes Andersson (48)
Marital status: In a relationship, three children
From: Grew up in Sweden, currently lives in Alver
Position: Occupational Hygienist / HSE Inspector
Education: Master’s degree in Occupational Health and Industrial Hygiene from the University of Bergen (UiB), Bachelor’s degree in Chemical Engineering from Østfold University College (HiØ), trained as a commercial diver
Work experience: Welder at Cerrajeria Las Aguilas, Spain (1998–2004), Machine Operator (CNC programming) at Ferrum Metall (1998–2004), Commercial Diver in own business (2006–2007), HSE Inspector at Equinor Mongstad (2009–2010), Occupational Hygiene Consultant at Proactima (2010–2017), Occupational Medicine Department Bergen (2019–2021), Occupational Hygienist at Equinor (2021–2024), Occupational Hygienist at TCM in various employment forms (2013–present).
Good at: Being creative and finding effective solutions, hardworking
Can’t stand: Boiled and fried eggs
Hobbies: Working out, including boxing, running, and cycling, as well as painting and machine milling
Dreams of: Spending more time on his many hobbies, owning his time
“How do you use your education in your job?”
“The combination of a degree in chemical engineering and a master’s in occupational health and industrial hygiene has proven to be absolutely perfect. It’s actually quite incredible to have a local job here on the west coast of Norway where both of my degrees are so directly relevant.”
“What do your family and friends say about your job?”
“Haha, neither my mother, my siblings, nor my kids fully understand what I do at TCM. You probably have to be “in the loop” to get it. But they know that I enjoy my work and have an exciting job – and that’s the most important thing.”
“What do you see as the biggest challenge in your job?”
“Finding enough time. It’s often difficult to prioritize between tasks that must be done and those I would also really like to take on.”
“If you were to give a colleague a flower, who would it be – and why?”
“There are many at TCM who make an outstanding effort to develop safe and efficient CO2 capture technologies. But if I had to choose one, it would be our boss, Ismail. He has the most demanding job of all of us and handles it with calm and genuine good humor – even when things get tough.”
“How do you recharge after a long day?
– I often take a 15–20-minute power nap – that gives me enough energy to tackle household chores and follow up with my kids. I also have a leadership role at a boxing club in Knarvik and try to stay in shape through running, cycling, or boxing. And I really value the time I spend with my partner – we have a great relationship.”
“Do you have any specific plans for the future?”
“I hope the transition at TCM moves in the right direction so we can continue developing the company and the important work we do. Personally, I’m also looking forward to more time for my hobbies – and more trips to Tenerife, where my father’s side of the family lives.”