TCM
 

Two Master’s degrees, one clear motivation: Making a difference

With two Master’s degrees—one from his home country Nigeria and one from Norway—Tochukwu Ogbu contributes to the high quality of chemical analyses at the laboratory of Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM). He thrives at the world’s largest and most flexible centre for testing carbon capture technologies.

“Contributing to solutions that make a real difference for the environment is not just something I dream about, but something I get to help with every single day. That makes the job both interesting and highly meaningful,” says Tochukwu.

Tochukwu Ogbu is a Laboratory Engineer at TCM. He thrives at the world’s largest and most flexible centre for testing carbon capture technologies.

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

“I first became acquainted with Technology Centre Mongstad during my studies at the University of Bergen, where I completed my master’s research at the TCM facility. My project focused on compounds relevant to carbon capture, which gave me insight into TCM’s role and activities. Joining the team felt like a natural step, where I could apply my experience in a practical and meaningful way.”

Name: Tochukwu Ogbu (37)

Marital status: Married with three children

From: Nigeria

Position: Laboratory Engineer

Education: I hold a Master’s degree in Quality in Analytical Laboratories (EMQAL) from the University of Bergen (UiB), a Master’s degree in Analytical Chemistry from Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, Nigeria, and a Bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry from the University of Benin, Benin City, Nigeria.

Work experience: I have more than ten years of laboratory experience in the oil and gas, environmental analysis, and carbon capture sectors. My background includes analytical method development, advanced instrumentation, and quality management. Before joining Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) in 2024, I held senior laboratory roles with ExxonMobil, Laser Engineering & Resources Consultants Limited, and Osten Laboratory in Nigeria.

Good at: Collaborating with others to achieve common goals

Can’t stand: Extreme pessimism

Hobbies: Spending time with my family, playing padel, and watching movies

Dreams of: Contributing to solutions that make a real difference for the environment

“What was your knowledge of carbon capture before you started?”

“Before joining TCM, my understanding of carbon capture was primarily academic, with a focus on solvent-based systems and their environmental impacts. During my master’s research, I worked on developing methods to identify and quantify amines, nitrosamines, and nitramines in the environment, as well as degradation products of amine solvents—particularly CESAR1 and MEA used in carbon capture processes. Since joining TCM, however, my knowledge has broadened considerably, especially through exposure to large-scale operations, process optimisation, and the practical challenges of real-world applications.”

“What’s the most exciting part of your job at TCM?”

“Each test campaign involving a client’s new technology is unique and brings its own set of challenges. It requires extensive planning and close collaboration between clients and multiple departments at TCM, both during preparation and execution. Contributing as part of a cross-functional team to deliver a successful campaign is highly rewarding, particularly when it leads to a satisfied client—which is TCM’s goal.”

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

“A typical workday begins with a morning meeting involving the relevant departments. This is followed by verifying that all instruments are operating correctly through the analysis of quality control standards and the performance of quality assurance procedures. Subsequent tasks vary depending on the phase of the test campaign—whether preparation, active execution, or post-campaign activities.”

“Who do you collaborate with the most, and how does that cooperation work?”

“I work closely with other laboratory personnel, as well as the HSE, operations, and technical departments. This collaboration is highly effective, as each campaign is planned and executed through coordinated efforts, resulting in a more efficient and streamlined workflow.”

Tochukwu at work in the laboratory. “One of the key challenges in my role is ensuring that all instruments consistently operate at optimal performance,” he says.

“What gives you energy and joy at work?”

“Being part of a strong, collaborative team that supports and values one another is highly energising. It is also fulfilling to see how the laboratory’s work contributes to TCM’s broader mission.”

“How do you use your education in your job?”

“My MSc in Quality in Analytical Laboratories, combined with my background in Analytical Chemistry, provides a strong foundation for my work. I apply this knowledge in method development, validation, data interpretation, instrument troubleshooting, sample preparation and analysis, and data quality management.”

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

“They consider it a strong fit based on my educational background, prior experience, and overall approach to work. They are also interested in what we do, even though the details can be quite technical.”

“What do you see as the biggest challenge in your job?”

“One of the key challenges in my role is ensuring that all instruments consistently operate at optimal performance. Given that many of the systems are highly advanced and sensitive, maintaining their accuracy and reliability requires careful monitoring, regular calibration, and proactive maintenance.”

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

“I’m fortunate to work with wonderful colleagues, which makes it difficult to single out just one person. That said, I would give the flowers to the management team in recognition of their dedication and the effort they put into ensuring the smooth and continuous operation of TCM.”

“How do you recharge after a long day?

“After a long day, I recharge by resting, spending time with my family, and enjoying some quiet time.”

“Do you have any specific plans for the future?”

“I would like to continue developing professionally and contribute to improving laboratory work and carbon capture processes. Over time, I hope to take on more responsibility and support further development in this field.”

TCM Launches CESAR1 CCS Benchmarking Campaign – Industry Partners Invited

Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) is launching its CESAR1 Sector Benchmarking Campaign, scheduled for Q4 2026. Selected industry stakeholders are invited to participate in this unique initiative, designed to generate validated, large-scale datasets for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies under real industrial conditions.

For 14 years, TCM has operated the world’s largest and most flexible facility for testing post-combustion CO2 capture technologies. The Centre has completed 28 large-scale campaigns, supporting 17 capture technologies on their path to commercial deployment. These campaigns have provided partners with critical data to reduce technical and financial uncertainties.

TCM, invites industry partners to join the CESAR1 CCS Benchmarking Campaign.

Collaborative benchmarking across industries

The CESAR1 campaign will focus on sectors including:

  • Natural Gas Combined Cycle (NGCC)
  • Waste-to-Energy (WtE)
  • Cement, Steel, Refining (FCC), Pulp & Paper, Aluminum

Key performance indicators such as capture efficiency, energy consumption, solvent management, CO2 quality, and operational stability will be evaluated.

Rouzbeh Jafari, Business Development Manager at TCM, highlights the value:

“This campaign gives industry partners access to operational insights at full scale, high-quality datasets, and the chance to help define the parameters that matter most for commercial CCS deployment.”

Benefits for participants

By joining, organizations can:

  • Access high-quality benchmarking datasets
  • Understand performance of open-access capture technologies
  • Gain practical insights into operational challenges
  • Engage directly with TCM experts
  • Participate in workshops and technical discussions

The campaign operates under a consortium model with a participation fee of USD 100,000 per sector (excluding VAT), which includes full access to results and engagement activities.

Interested organizations are invited to complete a short questionnaire to influence the final test program and are welcome to schedule an introductory call with TCM experts.

Contacts: post@tcmda.com or rouzbeh.jafari@tcmda.com


Facts about TCM:

TCM is located at one of Norway’s most complex industrial facilities, Mongstad in Vestland county.

TCM is owned by the Norwegian State, through Gassnova (43,6%), together with the industrial partners Equinor (28,2%) and TotalEnergies (28,2%). Equinor is the operator of the facility. TCM has had four ownership periods (Participant Agreements) since startup in 2012. The fifth period lasts until the end of 2027.


TCM highlights AURORA results and growing international CCS momentum

“The overall impression after ‘Knowledge Sharing 2026’ is that carbon capture and storage (CCS) stands stronger than ever as a key tool in addressing climate change. We are encouraged by the strong interest in the results from technology testing at TCM,” says Managing Director Muhammad Ismail Shah.

The “Knowledge Sharing 2026” conference in Sandefjord, held from 14–17 April, brought together more than 400 participants from over 40 countries. The conference thus became a highly important international meeting place for sharing experience related to carbon capture and storage (CCS). The event aimed to accelerate the deployment of CCS through the exchange of industrial experience, operational data, and cross-sector collaboration.

One of the highlights was the presentation delivered by TCM’s Managing Director, titled “TCM’s Role in CCS Deployment”. The presentation combined strategic reflections on the development of CCS with concrete results from the 2025 AURORA test campaign at TCM.

AURORA: Advancing Understanding of Real-World Solvent Performance

The AURORA campaign represented a significant step forward in understanding solvent behaviour under realistic and challenging industrial conditions. Conducted at TCM’s amine plant, the campaign evaluated the CESAR1 solvent within an EU-supported framework aimed at addressing key technical uncertainties in CO2 capture.

“AURORA has significantly strengthened our understanding of how advanced solvents behave under real industrial conditions, particularly when we push operational boundaries.”
Muhammad Ismail Shah, Managing director

Among the most important findings were the identification and mitigation of solvent precipitation challenges, which extended the operational window and improved process robustness. The campaign also delivered a comprehensive assessment of CO2 product quality, confirming alignment with Northern Lights specifications and reinforcing confidence in downstream transport and storage chains.

For the first time, CESAR1 was tested using a representative industrial flue gas stream from a gas boiler heat production facility, providing a valuable baseline for waste-to-energy applications. Elevated CO2 concentrations of up to 20 vol% enabled insights relevant for cement and steel industries, while operation at very low CO2 concentrations (down to 1.5 vol%) demonstrated applicability for aluminum production scenarios.

Degradation, Performance and Process Optimisation

Further testing focused on solvent resilience, including controlled exposure to high NO2 levels to better understand degradation mechanisms and their impact on CO2 product quality. In addition, high-pressure regeneration was evaluated as a potential enhancement to improve energy efficiency.

TCM’s Managing Director, Muhammad Ismail Shah, during his presentation at Knowledge Sharing 2026 in Sandefjord.

Shah highlighted the broader significance of these results: “What we learn from campaigns like AURORA is not only about performance in isolation, but about how capture systems behave across a wide range of real industrial conditions.”

He also emphasised the value of long-term testing: “It is only through sustained, full-scale testing that we can reduce uncertainty and move CCS technologies towards bankable deployment.”

Site visit to Mongstad attracts strong interest

Beyond the conference programme in Sandefjord, Knowledge Sharing 2026 included technical site visits to key CCS facilities across Norway. As part of this, TCM welcomed two groups of international participants to Mongstad on 16 and 17 April, totalling 26 visitors.

The guests were received by Business Development Manager Rouzbeh Jafari, who provided an overview of TCM’s activities and led a guided tour of the facility. The visits offered first-hand insight into large-scale CO2 capture testing and demonstrated TCM’s unique ability to bridge research and industrial deployment.

Together with Shah’s presentation in Sandefjord, the strong interest in visiting TCM underscored the centre’s central role in advancing CCS knowledge, validating technologies, and building confidence in real-world carbon capture solutions.

TCM to Continue Operations Through 2027

Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM)’s owners have signed a new agreement securing the facility’s continued operation until 31 December 2027. This enables TCM to continue operating as an independent and neutral test centre for carbon capture technologies.

Technology Centre Mongstad.

Continuation of the operation requires a stronger commercial focus. TCM will rely increasingly on revenue from the users of the facility, e.g. technology suppliers, industrial emitters, research institutions and others. The agreement enables TCM to reform its business model.

Since its establishment in 2012, TCM has operated as the world’s largest and most flexible open test facility for CO2 capture technologies and associated aspects. The Norwegian state has been the primary contributor throughout this period.

Under the new agreement for the period 2026–2027, the ownership structure will be as follows:

Shell has been a partner in Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) since its inception 13 years ago but has now decided to conclude its productive collaboration with the centre.

As TCM enters its next operational period, it will evolve its activities to reflect a more commercially driven approach. Further, TCM will accommodate the needs and the challenges identified by project and technology developers.

“I am pleased that the owners have decided to extend TCM’s operations,” says Svein Ingar Semb, representing Gassnova as chair of the TCM Company Meeting (Board). “The coming period will require increased focus on external revenue and continued operational efficiency. TCM’s mission remains unchanged: to provide reliable, independent testing that reduces risk for technology developers and CCS project owners.”

Over the past decade, TCM has made a significant contribution to the development and maturing of CO2 capture technologies, which are now being used in several commercial CCS projects. The centre has conducted +28 test campaigns, +70,000 hours of experience to support performance validation, safety assessments, and operational learning for technology vendors and project developers. TCM’s work has played a pivotal role in advancing large-scale capture efforts, including the technology used in the Longship project in Norway.

The AURORA Campaign at TCM a Success

“The campaign at TCM to test the advanced CO2 capture solvent CESAR1 was a success,” says Chief Scientist Hanne Marie Kvamsdal at SINTEF. She leads the EU-funded AURORA project, which aims to qualify CESAR1 for commercial use.

The four-month test campaign at Mongstad concluded in September, and SINTEF’s work to analyze the key results in its specialized laboratory is now in its final phase.

“Before starting the campaign at TCM, we were somewhat concerned that the solvent might precipitate and form problematic solid particles when tested with different flue gases containing various impurities – but fortunately, that did not happen. The team at TCM, led by Koteswara Rao Putta, delivered flawlessly on all the parameters we wanted to test during this intensive campaign,” says Kvamsdal.

Hanne Marie Kvamsdal, Chief Scientist at SINTEF, leads the EU-funded AURORA project, which aims to qualify CESAR1 for commercial deployment. She is pictured here during TCCS-13 earlier this year. (Photo: Asmira Delic, SINTEF).

CESAR1 Has Unique Properties

The test campaign at Mongstad formed an important part of the large AURORA project, which started in 2023 and will be completed next year. The project is funded through the EU Horizon programme with a total budget of approximately NOK 200 million.

At the core of the project is the non-proprietary solvent CESAR1, which is being verified for its commercial applicability in CO2 capture, including in refineries, the cement industry, and metal recycling facilities. The working hypothesis is that CESAR1 stands out with high efficiency, low emissions, and significantly reduced energy demand compared to conventional amine-based capture solutions such as MEA (monoethanolamine).

“The final answer to this key question for large-scale CCS deployment will be presented at a conference organized by the consortium in Paris in 2026. Representatives from the European Commission, industry, and leading research institutions across Europe will be invited,” Kvamsdal explains.

In June, the AURORA team visited TCM during testing of the advanced solvent CESAR1. “The campaign was a success,” says Hanne Marie Kvamsdal in this interview. (Photo: TCM).

Strong Industrial Interest

Kvamsdal emphasizes that the AURORA project has been met with strong interest from industry. At the IEAGHG conference in Marseille in September; a comprehensive presentation of the large-scale CESAR1 testing at TCM was delivered – generating both recognition and high expectations among industrial stakeholders.

“In the coming months, based on the test results from TCM, we will simulate four cases using CESAR1 – at a refinery in Belgium, a refinery in Greece, a cement plant in Greece, and a recycling facility in Belgium. There is still considerable analytical work ahead before we can draw final conclusions and provide our recommendations to the project’s sponsor. But we are confident that CESAR1 will prove valuable in the effort to reduce climate emissions from key industries,” Kvamsdal concludes.

Read more about the AURORA campaign at TCM:
https://tcmda.com/news/the-future-of-co%e2%82%82-capture-is-being-tested-at-tcm

Read more about what happens to CESAR1 during CO2 capture:
https://tcmda.com/news/new-study-reveals-what-happens-to-cesar1-during-co%e2%82%82-capture

Learn more about the AURORA project:
https://www.sintef.no/en/projects/2023/aurora-accelerated-deployment-of-integrated-ccus-chains-based-on-solvent-capture-technology/

TCM made its mark in Hamburg

For the second year in a row, Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) had a strong presence at the Carbon Capture Technology World Expo in Hamburg.

Technology Manager Matthew Campbell and Communication Officer Liv Lønne Dille experienced interest from industry representatives eager to learn more about TCM’s work and experience in testing CO2 capture technologies.

Liv Lønne Dille and Matthew Campbell at TCM’s stand during the Carbon Capture Technology World Expo in Hamburg. Photo: The Carbon Capture Technology World Expo

The interest is there

Visitors from various industry sectors were particularly interested in learning how CO2 capture plants handle impurity variations from different flue gases. Also, there was tremendous interest to learn about TCM experience with the non- proprietary CESAR 1 solvent. Some were representatives of companies with their own technology concepts, while others wanted to know how they could start learning about carbon capture.

“Many companies wanted us to follow up afterwards for further dialogue, and TCM’s business development team will now take care of this,” says Lønne Dille. We are already working on this.

TCM also facilitated contact between some of the visitors and Northern Lights in Øygarden, a company that specialises in commercial CO2 storage, forming a natural link between capture and storage. Given that we have different roles in the CCS value chain, it is important to promote each other. There is a need for a better understanding of how things are connected.

“We hope that the meetings we had in Hamburg can lay the foundation for new collaborations and exciting CCS projects,” says Matthew Campbell. At TCM, we are ready to welcome new visitors, hold initial discussions and embark on a journey towards potential future collaborations.

About the exhibition

The Carbon Capture Technology World Expo brought together more than 20,000 attendees over three days, along with 1,500 conference delegates and 300 speakers from around the world. The event is the largest international meeting place for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), offering unique opportunities to build networks, exchange experiences, and discuss future solutions for a low-emission society.

TCM Strengthens Global Outreach – Growing Interest in Test Campaigns and Advisory Services

Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) has recently intensified its international engagement to promote carbon capture test campaigns and advisory services.

In the past months, Managing Director Ismail Shah, and Business Development Manager Rouzbeh Jafari have met with potential clients across Canada, Europe, the Middle East, East Asia, and India, where the message has been clear: industries are seeking reliable, independent partners to help de-risk their CCS investments.

“We are seeing growing demand from emitters who want to test their solutions in a realistic and safe environment before moving into full-scale deployment,” says Rouzbeh Jafari. “At TCM, we can offer exactly that – the world’s most flexible open CO2 capture test facility, operating with real flue gas and delivering proven results.”

TCM promotes test campaigns and advisory services for carbon capture projects. Testing capacity is currently available at the Mongstad facility in 2026 and 2027.

A Platform for Industrial Emitters

TCM offers testing of both proprietary and generic solvents, with tailored programs designed for key industrial sectors such as power generation, cement, steel, aluminum, waste-to-energy, and refining. The objective is to help companies establish a robust technical and economic baseline for future CCS decisions.

“Our clients benefit from independent validation of solvent performance, full ownership of test data, and access to TCM’s validated simulation tools,” Rouzbeh explains. “This gives them a competitive edge when entering FEED and commercial project phases.”

Through cost-sharing models and fast-track preparations, TCM provides an efficient, lower-cost pathway to capture testing. The center currently has available testing windows in 2026 and 2027, and TCM encourages early engagement to secure capacity and explore joint campaign opportunities with other industry players.

IMPURE-CO2: Unlocking the Next Step in CCS Infrastructure

One initiative drawing significant international attention is IMPURE-CO2 — a multi-partner project uniting leading R&D institutions, technology providers, and industrial emitters to address one of the most critical challenges in large-scale CCS deployment: managing impurities in the CO2 stream.

The project delivers scientific evidence for safe operations, validated predictive tools, and CO2 quality specifications — generating bankable data that reduce risk and accelerate infrastructure development.

“IMPURE-CO2 gives participants the opportunity to shape tomorrow’s standards and position themselves as technology leaders,” says Rouzbeh. “It’s about building trust – not only in capture technologies, but across the entire value chain from capture to storage.”

Beyond Testing

In addition to its world-class testing facilities, TCM offers advisory services for CCS technology evaluation and selection, as well as the TCM Operational Academy, which provides training for future capture plant operators.

“Our ambition is to be a full-service partner for companies implementing their decarbonization strategies,” Rouzbeh concludes. “At TCM, you don’t just test technology – you validate decisions that can accelerate the transition to a low-carbon future.”

Meet TCM at ADIPEC 2025

As part of its international outreach, TCM will participate in ADIPEC 2025, presenting under the theme “Decarbonizing Downstream through Scalable and Value-Driven Carbon Solutions.

The presentation will take place on Wednesday, November 5, at 2:00 PM (local time) during the Downstream Technical Conference in Abu Dhabi.

This session will highlight TCM’s experience in enabling cost-effective, scalable CCS solutions for the oil and gas, energy, and industrial sector.


Learn more and register here.

Ensuring Safe Operations in Amine-Based Carbon Capture at TCM

At the IEAGHG Conference PCCC-8 in Marseille, the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) shared new insights on personnel exposure and sampling methods related to amine-based CO2 capture.

The study presented at PCCC-8 highlights how TCM combines advanced technology testing with strict safety monitoring to protect both people and the environment.

Alexander Reyes Andersson presented TCM’s research on personnel exposure and safety monitoring at the IEAGHG Conference in Marseille.

Monitoring Exposure in Carbon Capture Operations

Decarbonising heavy industries is central to achieving the climate mitigation goals set out in the IPCC-6 report. Amine-based carbon capture is among the most mature technologies available today for reducing emissions from large industrial point sources. Since 2012, TCM has been at the forefront of testing and demonstrating both generic and proprietary solvents under industrial conditions.

A key part of this work concerns environmental and occupational safety. The process of removing CO2 from flue gas with amine-based absorption technologies introduces degradation products such as nitrosamines, which are classified as potentially carcinogenic. Early in TCM’s operations, the Norwegian Institute of Public Health (NIPH) assessed potential health risks and set strict safety thresholds. Since then, TCM has carried out extensive monitoring to ensure compliance and to safeguard personnel.

Findings from more than ten years of testing show that nitrosamines can be present during campaigns, but median and average background concentrations are very low—well below today’s occupational exposure limits. Both stationary and personal sampling methods have been applied to better understand exposure levels. Current research also aims to address uncertainties linked to sampling methods through new laboratory experiments.

Keeping Carbon Capture Both Effective and Safe

“Protecting the health and safety of our personnel is a top priority,” said Alexander Reyes Andersson. “Our monitoring results show that exposure levels are generally low, but we continue to study this in detail to close knowledge gaps and ensure that carbon capture operations remain both effective and safe.”

By combining rigorous safety assessments with cutting-edge technology testing, TCM strengthens its role as a global hub for advancing carbon capture solutions—supporting both industrial decarbonisation and safe workplace practices.

Co-writer: Fred Rugenyi

TCM Showcased Key Advances in Carbon Capture at IEAGHG Conference

At the IEAGHG Conference in Marseille, the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) presented new results from industrial-scale carbon capture testing and highlighted how machine learning can improve environmental monitoring.

The contributions reinforced TCM’s position as a leading test facility for accelerating global carbon capture solutions.

TCM’s Ahmad Wakaa, Koteswara Rao Putta and Fred Rugenyi contributed with key presentations at the IEAGHG Conference in Marseille, 16–18 September.

Large-Scale Testing with CESAR 1

In one presentation, Industrial Scale Carbon Capture Technology Testing at Technology Centre Mongstad: Results using CESAR 1, TCM’s Koteswara Rao Putta presented results from large-scale testing of the CESAR 1 solvent. With global CO2 emissions continuing to rise—surpassing 40 billion tons in 2024—the need for proven and scalable capture solutions was underlined.

“Amine-based capture technologies remain at the forefront of carbon mitigation strategies,” said Putta. “At TCM, our mission is to systematically test, validate, and improve these systems so they can be deployed with confidence at commercial scale. By doing so, we help reduce technical, environmental, and financial risks for industry.”

Koteswara Rao Putta presented results from large-scale testing of the CESAR 1 solvent.

The CESAR 1 campaigns at TCM provided crucial data for industry partners and research institutions alike, supporting the scale-up of capture systems from pilot to industrial demonstration. These efforts formed part of wider European collaborations, such as the AURORA project, aimed at bridging the gap between laboratory innovation and full-scale deployment.

A complementary presentation by Ahmad Wakaa focused on detailed learnings from more than 6,000 hours of CESAR 1 testing in 2020, including thermal reclaiming and emission monitoring during RFCC flue gas operations. The results demonstrated high efficiency in removing degradation products, metals, and heat-stable salts, with minimal solvent loss and strong capture performance.

“By combining operational experience with in-depth solvent analysis, we are able to document both the robustness and the limitations of advanced solvents like CESAR 1,” explained Wakaa. “This knowledge is vital for operators who plan to run capture plants reliably and sustainably over long periods.”

Ahmad Wakaa contributed vital knowledge for operators planning to run capture plants.

Machine Learning for Smarter Emissions Monitoring

The presentation, Exploring Predictive Emissions Monitoring of Ammonia at TCM Carbon Capture Plant Using Open-Source Machine Learning Libraries, was delivered by Fred Rugenyi. This work explored how advanced data analytics can improve environmental performance by predicting solvent-related emissions, such as ammonia.

Using TCM’s extensive historical datasets and machine learning tools like Sci-kit Learn, the study compared different regression models to forecast emissions. The Random Forest model delivered the most accurate predictions, opening the door for smarter monitoring and mitigation strategies in real-world operations.

“Machine learning provides us with a powerful tool to understand complex plant behaviour,” noted Rugenyi. “By predicting emissions, operators can take preventive action to reduce environmental impacts while improving plant reliability.”

Together, these presentations underscored TCM’s role as a global testbed for carbon capture innovation, advancing both process technology and digital solutions that will be vital for achieving net-zero ambitions.

Fred Rugenyi explained how machine learning can contribute to smarter monitoring of emissions.

New Study Reveals What Happens to CESAR1 During CO₂ Capture

A recent scientific study provides new insights into how the promising CO2 capture solvent CESAR1 degrades under industrially relevant conditions.

Illustration of CESAR1 degradation during CO2 capture. Over time, the solvent blend of AMP and PZ is exposed to oxidative and thermal stress, leading to the formation of a wide range of degradation products. Identifying these compounds is crucial for understanding solvent behavior and ensuring stable large-scale CO2 capture operation. Source:Illustration from the article.

CESAR1, a blend of 2-amino-2-methylpropanol (AMP) and piperazine (PZ), was originally developed in the EU project CESAR and has since been widely tested, including at the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM). It has shown strong performance with lower energy use and higher stability than traditional benchmark solvents such as monoethanolamine (MEA).

The study, led by Vanja Bruvik from SINTEF, investigated degradation pathways of CESAR1 under oxidative and thermal stress. Using advanced liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry, the researchers identified and quantified 48 different degradation compounds, including 15 that had not previously been reported for AMP, PZ, or CESAR1.

Investigating How CESAR1 Breaks Down

One key finding is that CESAR1 degrades more rapidly than its individual components, with oxidative degradation proving to be the most critical factor. Compounds such as formic acid, formaldehyde, and N-nitrosopiperazine were detected under oxidizing conditions, while several other degradation products were formed at elevated temperatures. Importantly, some degradation pathways observed in laboratory tests correspond closely to results from pilot-scale operation at TCM, strengthening the relevance of the findings for industrial application.

“Understanding how solvents change over time is essential for safe, cost-effective, and environmentally sound CO2 capture. Our work provides important knowledge that can be used to optimize solvent management strategies, including how to monitor degradation and when to carry out solvent reclamation.”
Vanja Bruvik, Research Scientist at SINTEF

From Laboratory to Large-Scale Testing

At TCM, CESAR1 has been tested extensively under real flue gas conditions, and the new results contribute directly to ongoing projects focused on emission monitoring and solvent stability.

“By combining laboratory research with large-scale testing, we build the knowledge base needed to ensure that next-generation solvents like CESAR1 can be deployed at full scale.”
Karen Karolina Høisæter, Senior Research Scientist at TCM

As the global need for CO2 capture grows, studies like this help pave the way for more robust and sustainable technologies that can play a crucial role in reaching climate targets.