TCM
 

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.

President of the Storting Learned About Carbon Capture

On Thursday, 21 August, the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) welcomed a distinguished visitor once again: Masud Gharahkhani, President of the Storting and holder of Norway’s second-highest public office after the King, arrived at the facility.

Masud Gharahkhani came to learn more about CO2 capture, and there could hardly have been a better guide than TCM’s managing director, Ismail Shah.

Accompanying the President were Rune Bakervik from Bergen and Kamilla Bjerkholt Kleppe from Fedje, who are second and seventh on the Labour Party’s candidate list in Hordaland for the upcoming parliamentary election on September 8. Also present were Acting Mayor of Alver, Nina Bognøy, and Deputy Mayor of Austrheim, Per Lerøy. In addition to the TCM hosts, Equinor Mongstad was represented by Senior Manager for Asset Development & Climate, Sissel Nepstad, and Greenspot Mongstad by Project Manager, Einar Vaage.

During his visit to TCM, President of the Storting Masud Gharahkhani (left) came to learn about carbon capture – and left impressed, both by what he saw firsthand and by Managing Director Ismail Shah’s (right) insights into the company’s work.

TCM Crucial for Technology That Works

During the visit, Ismail Shah explained the fundamentals of CO2 capture and underlined the role TCM has played in testing and verifying capture technologies that are already in use — or soon will be — at full-scale plants both in Norway and abroad.

“Both of the capture facilities that are part of the Longship project use technologies we have tested. The capture plant at Heidelberg Materials’ cement factory in Brevik started in June, and a similar one will be coming at Hafslund Celsio’s waste-to-energy plant at Klemetsrud. But we must continually improve the technologies and reduce the costs of CCS in order to accelerate deployment. This is what we work on every day at TCM,” Shah emphasized.

Impressed by What He Saw

The President of the Storting was enthusiastic about what he learned.

“This has been very educational! I have long understood the important role TCM plays in addressing climate challenges both nationally and internationally but experiencing the operations ‘live’ makes an impression that strengthens this understanding. I’m cheering for you!”

Gharahkhani also highlighted the potential impact of TCM’s expertise in reducing local CO2 emissions at Mongstad. He stressed that with an active industrial policy and long-term framework conditions, industry can gain the predictability it needs to make the necessary climate investments.

After presentations and discussions in TCM’s administration building, the President of the Storting and his delegation were given a guided car tour of the test centre and refinery before continuing on to Knarvik for further engagements.

First Immigrant to Lead the Storting

Both TCM’s leader, Ismail Shah, and the President of the Storting share an immigrant background. In 1987, at the age of five, Gharahkhani fled Tehran, Iran, with his family, where his father had been a well-known politician. After time in an asylum reception centre, the family settled in Skotselv, Øvre Eiker, Buskerud.

After completing secondary school, Gharahkhani trained as a radiographer and worked at Blefjell Hospital in Kongsberg and Rjukan. His political career began in the Buskerud County council before he became the Labour Party’s group leader in Drammen’s city council. In 2017, he became a permanent Member of Parliament, and four years later he was elected President of the Storting — the first person with an immigrant background to hold the position.

Carbon Capture: A Key Driver of Green Industrial Growth at Mongstad

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) could stimulate the development of existing and new industries at Mongstad.

With world-leading expertise at the Mongstad Technology Centre (TCM) and ambitious plans for industrial transformation, the region is facing a turning point that could define its industrial future.

Together with TCM, Greenspot Mongstad organized a meeting during Arendalsuka on how zero emissions can become a reality in Norwegian industry. Mongstad’s industrial sector alone accounts for approximately 3.5 percent of Norway’s total CO2 emissions. In his presentation, project manager Einar Vaage outlined ongoing initiatives to tackle this major challenge.

Mongstad Industrial Park is facing a major transformation. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) could be the key to developing both existing and new industries. Photo: Greenspot Mongstad.

The Industrial Park – A National Heavyweight

Mongstad Industrial Park currently hosts 3,500 full-time positions across 63 companies, primarily in oil- and gas-related operations. It serves as the supply hub for 23 offshore platforms in the North Sea. Behind these large numbers, however, lies a challenge: Equinor Mongstad emits around 1.6 million tonnes of CO2 annually – equivalent to 3–3.5% of Norway’s total emissions.

According to Vaage, the solution is to renew the industry and create new activity that both secures jobs and reduces the climate footprint.

Two Priorities for Green Transformation

Vaage highlighted two main initiatives that could reshape Mongstad in the coming years:

  1. Refinery Optimization – Increase competitiveness while reducing CO2 emissions.
  2. New Primary Industries:
    • Steel pellet production from ore using gas as a reducing agent, combined with CCS.
    • Sustainable aquaculture – land-based salmon farming with a capacity of 2,000 tonnes of smolt and 43,000 tonnes of market fish, scheduled to start in 2028.
    • SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) – production of sustainable jet fuel using residual waste as feedstock.

Linked to these new industries, we are already seeing development and establishment of both new and existing supplier environments.

CCS – The Glue That Binds the Industry

According to Vaage, carbon capture and storage is absolutely essential for a successful transformation.

The plan is to increase the concentration of CO2 at Mongstad by attracting industries such as steel production and SAF, which will contribute millions of tonnes of CO2. This will make it economically viable to build a pipeline to the Smeaheia field in the North Sea – both to manage current emissions at Mongstad and to transport CO2 from other regional actors.

“To address today’s emissions, we actually need more CO2 – which is why the expertise offered by TCM is so incredibly important,” Vaage emphasized.

Mann bak en talerstol - på litt avstand. Foto
Project manager Einar Vaage from Greenspot Mongstad presented plans for green transformation at Mongstad during a well-attended meeting at Arendalsuka. “We will renew the industry and create new activity that both secures jobs and reduces the climate footprint.”

Strong Political Signals

During the subsequent debate, both the acting mayor of Alver, Nina Bognøy, and the county mayor of Vestland, Jon Askeland, voiced their support for the plans.

Bognøy recalled Mongstad’s history: “It’s been 50 years since we forcibly emptied a village of its people. We cannot abandon Mongstad now. We owe it to the community to secure new industries there – which is also important for the region and for the country.”

Askeland highlighted Norway’s opportunity to lead: “The bigger you are, the more you must do, and those with the most must contribute the most. Norway has the knowledge and resources to take the lead. TCM is an international star, and the Mongstad refinery has already contributed to emissions reductions multiple times through the delivery of flue gas to TCM and ongoing technology development.”

He expressed a strong desire for faster action: “We are close to large storage reservoirs in the North Sea. I hope we can soon link TCM and the refinery so that we can eliminate greenhouse gas emissions once and for all.”

A Turning Point for Mongstad


With a combination of established industry, new green technologies, and political will, Mongstad could become a hub for green transformation. CCS sits at the heart of this transition – not just as a climate tool, but as a prerequisite for creating new value.

If these plans are realized, Mongstad could, within the next decade, transition from an emissions source to a model for industrial climate solutions, both in Norway and internationally.

The Public Sector Must Demand CCS

About 100 participants boarded the “Vestlandsbåten” on 12 August at Arendalsuka, when Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) and Greenspot Mongstad hosted presentations and debate on the future of CCS.

Arendal: – Almost half of the revenue generated by the Norwegian cement industry comes from public-sector purchasing. Although the government quarter and Bane NOR’s new workshop in Drammen are to be constructed using low-carbon cement, examples like these remain rare. At a recent Arendalsuka debate, speakers emphasised that public procurement must play a much stronger role in requiring products based on CCS.

Around 100 people boarded the Vestlandsbåten when TCM and Greenspot Mongstad invited them to a CCS debate in Norway during the Arendalsuka. Arendalsuka is the largest political gathering in Norway held annually since 2012. Photo: Markus Hole.

What will it take for more Norwegian companies to invest in CCS?

Heidelberg Materials, Europe’s largest cement supplier, is also the first to join a complete CCS value chain through the capture facility launched at its Brevik plant in June, as part of Norway’s national Longship CCS initiative.

Pia Prestmo, the company’s Public Affairs Manager, was clear about the public sector’s responsibility:

“Whether it is cement, steel, or fertilizer, the financial viability of low-carbon solutions must be strengthened. Boardrooms are waiting for one signal — that the risk is low enough to justify building a facility in their sector. They need assurance that climate-friendly products will become standard goods.”

Requires Billions in Government Support

“CCS is absolutely necessary to avoid catastrophic global warming,” emphasized Eivind Berstad, head of the CCS team at Bellona. “This is the technology that is hardest to replace, so we are completely dependent on it. But CCS needs an extra push, which is why we are so focused on it.”

Berstad noted that momentum for CCS increased when the focus shifted from power generation to industry. “In Europe, there is now strong momentum to make it happen. Politically, a concrete strategy is being set, funding is being allocated, and oil and gas companies must commit to providing storage capacity.”

He argued that Norway lacks a framework for CCS development. “What is needed is billions in the state budget for carbon capture and storage. Authorities must ask industry about volumes so that infrastructure can be planned, and Norway must participate in the European effort requiring oil companies to provide storage capacity already by 2030.”

More Research and Development Needed

Kristine Karlstad, Vice President Sustainability at Hydro, noted that since 1991, the company has cut emissions by 55% while increasing production at its five Norwegian smelters by 40%. However, she explained that the CO2 content in exhaust gases from aluminium production is low, and effective capture technologies are not yet available.

“We have picked the low-hanging fruit, and now the hardest part remains. We must work with research and development, testing, and prioritization before we can implement CCS at our plants.”

The debate panel had a good atmosphere. From left to right: Eivind Berstad (Bellona), Pia Prestmo (Heidelberg Materials), Kristin Karlstad (Hydro), Nils Røkke (SINTEF), Nina Bognøy (Alver municipality) and Jon Askeland (Vestland county municipality). Photo: Markus Hole

Strong Collaboration Between SINTEF and TCM

SINTEF has been working on CCS solutions since 1986. Its Director of Sustainability, Nils Røkke, highlighted the value of its Trondheim test facility as a partner to TCM for near full-scale trials.

“You could have bought a car in 1900, but cars are undoubtedly better in 2025. The modern car could not exist without that history. Over the decades, we have reduced energy use in carbon capture by 25% and eliminated amine-related emission issues — proof of how strong collaboration between research and innovation has delivered full-scale solutions.”

Looking ahead, Røkke underlined the need for storage capacity, CO2 delivery systems, and transport solutions adapted to the North Sea’s temperature conditions. “In short,” he said, “we need workable specifications that balance risk and cost.”

Reducing Risk and Costs

Since its inception in 2012, TCM has tested 17 different technologies. Managing Director Ismail Shah noted that nearly all full-scale CCS plants built or approved worldwide have used technologies tested at TCM.

“For it to be cheaper for industry to capture CO2 than to release it, we must lower costs. That means advancing research, development, and demonstration in parallel with building more capture facilities. The more we build, the easier it becomes to find solutions that work across industries. Risk reduction must cover technical, environmental, and commercial aspects.”

Continued Government Commitment to TCM

State Secretary Astrid Bergmål from the Ministry of Energy praised TCM’s role: “The work at Mongstad to test, verify, and demonstrate CO2 capture technologies on a large scale is world-class and central to our CCS efforts.”

She emphasized that Longship is not the end of Norway’s CCS ambitions: “The government wants to facilitate the continued growth of the CCS market, where industry finds good commercial solutions. Any new policy instruments must be well-targeted and enable industry-driven solutions. That is what we are working on now.”

Bergmål added that the government is also working to find a solution for more commercial operation of TCM with reduced state support.

TCM Showcases CO₂ Capture Expertise at TCCS-13 in Trondheim

From June 17–19 nearly 500 carbon capture, transport, and storage (CCS) professionals from 31 countries convened in Trondheim, Norway, for the 13th Trondheim CCS Conference (TCCS-13).

As one of the field’s most prominent scientific events, the conference TCCS-13 offered a key platform for presenting cutting-edge research, exchanging knowledge, and discussing new projects across the CCS value chain. Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) was once again well represented and made strong contributions throughout the conference.

Attending on behalf of TCM were Muhammad Zeeshan, Principal Researcher Environment/HSE, and the CO2 Capture Technologists Sundus Akhter, Dimitrios Siozos, and Ticiane Oliveira. Also present the operation shift Leader Kathrine Sætre, the laboratory engineer Karen Høisæter and the master student and current TCM intern Tochukwu Ogbu. In addition to attending various scientific sessions, the team actively contributed through oral and poster presentations and participated in co-authored work with leading research institutions.

The TCM team made their mark at TCCS-13. Back row from left: Tochukwu Ogbu, Karen Karolina Høisæter, and Kathrine Sætre. Front row: Dimitrios Siozos and Ticiane de Oliveira.

TCM Research in the Spotlight

One of the conference highlights was the oral presentation by Muhammad Zeeshan and Sundus Akhter. We shared recent findings from our work at TCM on CESAR1 solvent chemistry. “We clearly noticed more people approaching us after the presentation, wanting to learn about our projects and even explore possible collaboration or visits to TCM,” said Zeeshan and Akhter.

Additionally, a poster authored by Tochukwu Ogbu and Muhammad Zeeshan on developments in LCMS lab methods attracted a great deal of interest. The TCM team also contributed as co-authors on several other presentations, including one on CESAR1 solvent reclaiming with collaboration with SINTEF as part of the ongoing Horizon Europe project – Aurora.  Their involvement underscored the centre’s active engagement across both scientific and operational aspects of CCS.

Another oral presentation co-authored by 3 TCM members and delivered by UMONS university addressed the European funded MOF4AIR project results.  TCM was one of the testing sites for the adsorbent-based technology producing valuable results in the field and drawing significant attention and led to increased interest in TCM’s work from other participants.

Importantly, TCM’s engagement extended beyond presenting. The centre was also represented in the conference’s peer-review process, with Zeeshan serving as a reviewer for several abstracts. This contribution reflects TCM’s trusted role in evaluating and shaping CCS research worldwide.

One of the highlights of the conference was the oral presentation by Sundus Akhter and Muhammad Zeeshan, pictured here on the right together with Kathrine Sætre and Tochukwu Ogbu.

Contributing Beyond the Podium

Beyond the technical sessions, TCM participants used the opportunity to engage in valuable networking with researchers and industry experts from across the globe — including countries such as the UK, France, the UAE, and Austria. “There was strong representation from the Gulf countries this year, and it was encouraging to see growing CCS initiatives being developed in those regions,” noted Ticiane Silva de Oliveira.

TCM’s delegation also included employees from operations and the lab, highlighting the centre’s commitment to cross-disciplinary learning and continuous knowledge development.

In summary, TCCS-13 not only reaffirmed TCM’s position as a trusted voice in the global CCS community but also helped strengthen existing relationships and lay the groundwork for new partnerships and innovation in the years ahead.


Main photo: SINTEF

TCM Puts Carbon Capture on the Agenda at Arendalsuka

“If politicians are to reach their goal of a 70–75 percent reduction in emissions by 2035, we must accelerate carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects”, says Muhammad Ismail Shah, Managing Director of TCM.

This is why TCM are inviting people to what might be the most exciting and forward-looking debate at Arendalsuka on Tuesday, August 12.

Nærbilde av Teknologisenteret på Mongstad. Foto

Zero Emissions in Norwegian Industry – Vision, Reality, or Delusion?

Together with Einar Vaage, head of Greenspot Mongstad, Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) is challenging politicians, academia, and industry to a debate titled Zero Emissions in Norwegian Industry – Vision, Reality, or Delusion?.

The event will take place on the “Vestlandsbåten” from 1 PM to 2 PM, with André Kopperud Gill, a partner at PwC, serving as moderator.

“We believe CCS can become the industry’s climate trump card and want to demonstrate that Norway has unique conditions for leading the development of technologies and projects that significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions. The aim of the event is not political bickering, but to inform the public about what is being done and what still needs to be done to realize this potential.”
Muhammad Ismail Shah, Managing Director of TCM

Accelerate the transition to zero emissions in industry

Shah himself will present what TCM has achieved after 13 years as a platform for testing and developing effective CO2 capture technologies. He also has clear ideas about how this knowledge can be used to accelerate the transition to zero emissions in industry – both nationally and internationally.

Within this context, Longship plays a key role – the project that demonstrates the full-scale CO2 capture and storage value chain. But then comes the difficult question: What will it take for more Norwegian industrial companies to invest in CCS?

“To get closer to an answer, we have invited Kristin Karlstad, who is responsible for sustainability at Hydro, to share the company’s ambitions and projects. The role of the government in strengthening initiatives and concrete investments in CCS will be addressed by State Secretary Astrid Bergmål from the Ministry of Energy. All in all, we hope and believe it will be an educational session – an event that leaves participants a little wiser. Welcome aboard the “Vestlandsbåten” in Arendal on Tuesday, August 12”, concludes Muhammad Ismail Shah.

The Future of CO₂ Capture Is Being Tested at TCM

At the end of April 2025, Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) launched a four-month test campaign of the advanced CESAR1 solvent as part of the EU Horizon-funded AURORA project.

The goal of the AURORA project: to demonstrate that this non-proprietary solvent technology is ready for commercial use in industry—and early results are promising.

As the world’s largest and most advanced CO2 capture test facility, TCM is a key hub for developing and qualifying carbon capture technologies essential to decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors such as waste-to-energy, natural gas-fired power plants, refineries, and coal-fired power plants. At the heart of this effort is the non-proprietary solvent CESAR1, now undergoing testing at Mongstad in collaboration with the AURORA project – led by SINTEF—which aims to revolutionize carbon capture across multiple industrial sectors.

The AURORA team visited TCM in June.

From Pilot to Industrial Reality

“Our main task in this campaign is to fill knowledge gaps and qualify CESAR1 for full-scale industrial use,” says Koteswara Rao Putta, Technical Services Lead and Projects Coordinator at TCM. “This means documenting performance, stability, and environmental impact under realistic conditions—not just in the lab, but in operational environments that reflect what industry actually faces.”

Over the four-month campaign, the team at TCM is evaluating both the performance and environmental impact of CESAR1 under various operating conditions, including variable loads, different flue gas compositions, and challenges such as NO2 contamination.

Positive Results—and Major Improvements

TCM first tested CESAR1 in 2019, but that campaign revealed several operational challenges. “We learned a lot at that time and used those insights to improve both the processes and instrumentation,” says Putta. “Now we’re seeing that CESAR1 delivers higher capture efficiency while keeping environmental emissions very low. That’s a crucial step toward commercial deployment.”

The current campaign includes testing with flue gases from a wide range of industrial sources—such as RFCC (refinery gas), waste-to-energy plants, and the metals processing, recycling, cement, steel, and iron industries—and will later include smelters, hydrogen production, and gas-fired power plants.

“One of the most valuable experiences so far has been seeing how CESAR1 handles different types of flue gas impurities,” he explains. “For example, we recently conducted a long-duration test under high NO2 conditions, which is particularly relevant for the cement sector. This gives us important insights into solvent degradation and process optimization.”

Facts about the AURORA Project

Based on open technology, available for global development and use

Led by SINTEF, one of Europe’s largest independent research institutes

Funded by the EU Horizon Europe program

Goal: Qualify CESAR1 for commercial use

Target industries: Cement, refineries, materials recycling

CESAR1: A Non-Proprietary Solvent Technology with Strong Potential

Solvent-based CO2 capture is a flexible and well-established method that can be adapted to many different emission sources. CESAR1—developed as an open and non-proprietary solution—stands out for its high efficiency, low emissions, and significantly reduced energy demand compared to conventional solutions like MEA (monoethanolamine).

“Having CESAR1 as an open technology means the results can be shared and further developed,” says Putta. “That enables more players, including academia and start-ups, to contribute to improvements and adaptations. This is how we build the future of carbon capture—together.”

Key demonstration highlights for CESAR1 include:

  • 98% CO2 capture rate
  • Minimal environmental emissions, including solvent losses and waste generation

Broad Testing—High Relevance

A central ambition of the campaign is to generate results directly applicable to industrial use. TCM has therefore tested CESAR1 under real-world conditions, including load variations, contaminants, and both high- and low-concentration CO2 streams.

“We designed the tests to cover many possible operational scenarios—from full load to partial operation, and with large variations in flue gas composition,” says Putta. “This mirrors the real world, where conditions are rarely perfect.”

In the coming weeks, TCM will test flue gases simulating smelters and natural gas power plant CO2 concentrations—including scenarios resembling those in UK and US industrial clusters—as well as flue gas with very low CO2 concentrations, typical of the aluminum industry.

Next Stepfor the AURORA project: Advanced Control Systems

Midway through the campaign, in July, TCM will also test advanced control strategies developed by Cybernetica, a partner in the AURORA project. The goal is to demonstrate how automated systems can help industry bring CO2 capture plants to stable operation faster, adapt to changing conditions, and reduce operational costs.

“These control systems will make the process more robust and adaptable, even under unpredictable conditions,” says Putta. “It’s about building confidence for investment and lowering operational risks.”

The gathering at TCM provided a lot of useful information.

A Key Contribution to a Carbon-Neutral Industry

The campaign will conclude toward the end of August, and the results will serve as a foundation for broader deployment of CESAR1 in industry—supporting start-ups, research institutions, and other developers aiming to advance the technology.

“We’re very pleased so far. The results are strong, the collaboration is close, and we see this becoming an important piece in the puzzle to make carbon capture more accessible and reliable—with reduced risks for many more industries,” Putta concludes. “This isn’t just research—it’s laying the groundwork for real change.”

Join TCM–DNV CCS Training | September 11–12, 2025

Are you ready to take the next step in your carbon capture and storage (CCS) journey?

Kick-start your professional development in 2025 by joining our comprehensive CCS training course, jointly delivered by Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) and DNV, two global leaders in the field.

🗓 Date: September 11–12, 2025
📍 Location: Mongstad, Norway (transport from Bergen provided)
🎓 Format: 2-day in-person training, including guided site and lab tours

To operatører på site. Foto

Why attend?

🚀 Build expertise across the full CCS value chain
From capture to storage, learn from two institutions at the forefront of global CCS deployment.

🔬 Gain in-depth technical insights
Explore cutting-edge technologies and real-world learnings from recent flagship projects.

🏭 Experience TCM’s world-class facilities
Tour the world’s largest open-access CO2 capture test centre, including our amine plant and the Site for Emerging Technologies.

👨‍🏫 Learn from top industry experts
Our instructors bring decades of practical and strategic CCS experience.

🤝 Expand your network
Connect with peers from industry, government, and academia driving the decarbonization transition.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for professionals from:

  • Emitter industries planning or developing CCS projects
  • Transport and storage operators
  • Technology and equipment suppliers
  • Regulators, policy makers, and trade bodies
  • Energy researchers and academics

Registration & Pricing for the TCM–DNV CCS Training

💼 General registration: GBP 2,000 (excl. VAT)

➡️ Enrol now or register your interest to receive more details

This is a one-off opportunity to gain practical CCS knowledge at the world’s premier CO2 capture site. We hope to see you in Mongstad this June

Protecting Water, Advancing Capture: TCM’s Latest Research on Solvent Degradation

At the 17th Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies Conference (GHGT-17), TCM and its partners presented three pivotal studies advancing the environmental safety and scientific understanding of amine-based CO2 capture.

The highlights: a powerful new modelling tool for safeguarding water, refined methods for solvent analysis, and the discovery of previously unknown degradation products. Together, these efforts strengthen the foundations for safer, smarter carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

Dame på Lab. Foto

Developing a Modelling Tool to Safeguard Water Near CO2 Capture Plants

TCM, in collaboration with NIVA and other partners, is developing a dynamic modelling tool to support industry and regulators in protecting drinking water sources near amine-based CO2 capture facilities.

Amine emissions can lead to the formation of nitrosamines (NSAs) and nitramines (NAs)-potentially carcinogenic compounds that may contaminate lakes and groundwater. This tool will estimate NSA and NA concentrations in nearby water bodies based on measured amine emissions, through:

  • An atmospheric dispersion model, verified with in-situ plume measurements
  • A catchment model simulating pollutant transport
  • Laboratory studies on chemical reaction rates and NA biodegradability
  • A web application allowing users to explore different operational scenarios and assess impacts on water quality

The goal is to support better decision-making, ensure compliance with safety limits, and promote the responsible deployment of amine-based CO2 capture technologies.

👉 Read the paper

Advancing Analytical Tools for CESAR1

The second study presented a new LC-MS/MS method for analyzing degradation products in CESAR1, a leading solvent blend of AMP and PZ. The technique accurately detected and separated several non-volatile degradation compounds from the parent amines—demonstrating high precision, selectivity, and reliability.

This method significantly enhances the ability to monitor solvent health during operations and supports ongoing efforts to optimize process stability and efficiency.

👉 Read the paper

Uncovering Unknown Degradation Compounds

In the third study, researchers analysed CESAR1 samples from pilot operations using industrial flue gases. A total of 35 degradation compounds were identified—12 of them never previously observed in CESAR1, AMP, or PZ.

By combining pilot-scale sampling with laboratory degradation stress tests, the researchers were able to map all major nitrogen-containing compounds in the solvent, helping close one of the most significant knowledge gaps in CO2 capture chemistry.

The study contributes to the Horizon Europe AURORA project, which aims to improve the environmental performance of advanced capture solvents.

👉 Read the paper

Want to learn more?

Explore how TCM is working to improve solvent degradation and reclaiming: tcmda.com/studies-with-focus-on-amine-components

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.

As an occupational hygienist, Alexander Reyes Andersson constantly has to familiarize himself with new 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

Nærbilde av en mann. Foto

“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.”

Alexander has worked at TCM since 2013 and is well-versed in the use of protective equipment and measuring instruments.

“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.”