The Honeywell campain is running from late October 2024 until February 2025, the campaign at the amine plant exemplifies the power of collaboration and cutting-edge innovation in addressing the global climate challenge.

On-Site Expertise Fosters Seamless Operations

Honeywell’s strong presence at TCM has been key to the campaign’s success. With a permanent representative on-site and regular visits from their project manager and senior experts, the company ensures daily coordination with TCM’s operational and technical teams.

“Daily meetings allow us to align on results and plan necessary adjustments,” says Ahmad Wakaa, Senior CO₂ Capture Technologist and coordinator for the Honeywell campaign at TCM.

“Honeywell’s feedback and technical suggestions are invaluable. The close interaction means that if they observe something unexpected—like higher-than-expected emissions—we can quickly analyze the issue and implement changes, often within the same day.”

This real-time adaptability enables the campaign to maintain momentum and optimize test outcomes. Honeywell’s structured approach and proactive communication ensure that TCM can make all necessary preparations in advance, enhancing efficiency.

Testing Under Challenging Conditions

So far, the campaign’s most challenging and intriguing phase has been Honeywell’s demonstration of their technology with ‘dirty flue gas’—flue gases with high levels of impurities.

“This type of testing is particularly thrilling,” Wakaa explains. “It challenges the technology to prove its robustness. Monitoring these processes in the control room is captivating—it doesn’t feel like work when you’re watching innovation in action.”

TCM’s world-class monitoring instruments play a pivotal role in providing the granular data needed to evaluate performance. Wakaa says that Honeywell has praised these capabilities, which allow for detailed tracking of emissions and operational parameters that would be difficult to achieve elsewhere.

The Technology Behind the Campaign

Honeywell’s carbon capture system uses an advanced amine solvent developed in partnership with the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin). The solvent absorbs CO₂ from flue gases, which is then separated and compressed for storage or reuse, and isdesigned for industrial plants in sectors like power, steel, and cement.

TCM campaign builds on extensive pilot-scale testing conducted at at UT Austin’s Separations Research Program plant (SRP) and the National Carbon Capture Center (NCCC), which collectively logged over 7,000 hours of operation. The move to engineering-scale testing at TCM allows Honeywell to validate the performance and scalability of its solution under real-world conditions, a critical step toward commercial deployment.

Collaboration Driving Progress

TCM’s unique ability to simulate industrial-scale conditions makes it a vital resource for advancing carbon capture technologies. In addition to operational testing, TCM’s laboratory team provides precise analyses that inform adjustments and optimizations in the field.

“Honeywell is making full use of the resources here,” says Wakaa. “Our advanced instruments and experienced team enable us to meet their needs,  from field demonstrations to precise laboratory analyses.”

By February, this partnership will have generated valuable insights to refine Honeywell’s technology and support its commercialization, setting a benchmark for innovation in the global fight against climate change.

Shah: “This extends beyond political decisions. Industries in the US and other countries are planning long-term CCS investments. Regardless of varying paces, significant efforts to reduce industrial greenhouse gas emissions globally can be expected.”

Although there is uncertainty about the new administration’s approach to green transition in the US, Shah identifies potential for progress.

Major Investments in the US: CCS as a Driving Force

In recent years, US authorities have allocated a staggering 25 billion dollar to initiatives aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Meanwhile, industry players are expected to invest much larger sums in CCS projects. This development demands technologies that deliver precision and reliability—something that places TCM in a unique position.

“To ensure these technologies perform as intended, project owners can utilize TCM’s advanced testing facilities. We provide the assurance they need to minimize risks and maximize results,” Shah explains.

Strategic Partnerships Bring Global Impact

In 2024, TCM collaborated with stakeholders including the US Department of Energy to support the advancement of carbon capture technologies towards commercial deployment projects. Shah attended a Washington D.C. meeting where leaders discussed the importance of demonstrating and extensively deploying large-scale CCS projects.

“It is encouraging to witness the industry’s long-term vision. They are establishing networks and laying the foundation for large-scale implementation,” says Shah. “In the United States, six major projects are currently in the pipeline. These initiatives will spur industrial growth, create thousands of jobs, and help achieve net zero emissions.

The UK’s CCS Efforts in Teesside

In 2025, construction will start on the UK’s first CCS projects in Teesside, led by BP and Equinor. These projects will create up to 4,000 jobs, with operations beginning in 2028.

“This demonstrates how CCS not only reduces emissions but also creates jobs and fosters green industry,” Shah says.

The infrastructure is planned to initially transport and store up to 2 million tons of CO₂ annually from the Net Zero Teesside project. By 2035, the amount of CO₂ sequestered from Teesside and the East Coast Cluster is projected to increase to 23 million tons.

The Longship Project: A Milestone for CCS

Shah highlights Norway’s Longship project as a practical example of CCS. Starting May 2025, Heidelberg Materials’ Brevik plant will capture CO₂, which will be transported to Northern Lights in Øygarden for permanent sequestration. Shah emphasizes that Longship proves CCS is achievable and notes their contribution to its technological development.

TCM Supporting the Path to Commercialization

In 2024, TCM conducted technology tests with Svante (Canada) and Honeywell (USA), receiving positive feedback. These tests will continue into 2025. The EU-funded MOF4AIR project has also begun yielding results after initial startup and troubleshooting at TCM.

“We reduce costs and qualify technologies for commercialization, helping our customers succeed. Our work is critical for the industry globally,” says Shah.

This collaboration marks a critical step in Svante’s mission to validate its modular rotary contactor machines for industrial carbon capture and further demonstrate their potential to reduce costs and improve efficiency in addressing global CO₂ emissions.

Real-World Testing at a World-Class Facility

Svante selected TCM for its advanced facilities and expertise in testing carbon capture technologies under real-world conditions. “Svante’s benefit in coming to TCM is the ability to test their technology with real flue gas and validate the performance and stability of their adsorbent beds for industrial applications. In addition, Svante will also benefit from TCM’s excellent analytical capabilities to  validate thier low emission performance,” says Sundus Akhter, CO₂ Capture Technologist at TCM and lead coordinator for the campaign.

The campaign utilizes flue gas from Equinor’s Residue Fluid Catalytic Cracker (RFCC) unit, allowing Svante to evaluate the stability of its adsorbent materials under challenging industrial conditions. “We supported Svante by making the necessary modifications and arrangements to ensure they could start the campaign on schedule,” Sundus adds.

Svante’s innovative sorbent technology is designed to operate without harmful chemical fugitive emissions, and the company aims to demonstrate its material stability and low emission profile during the campaign.

Svante’s system stands out with its innovative rotating adsorption machine designed for CO₂ capture. During the campaign, the company is conducting tests under varying levels of contaminants in the flue gas. Additionally, TCM has supported their efforts by providing advanced instruments and result analysis to monitor and assess secondary emissions effectively.

Flexibility and Collaboration at the Site for Emerging Technologies

The testing takes place in a newly constructed tent at TCM’s Site for Emerging Technologies. This setup, designed to protect equipment from harsh weather, has proven to be a flexible solution for Svante’s campaign and future testing operations. “The tent allows us to run campaigns under varying weather conditions while saving costs on various modifications and insullations for our partners,” Sundus explains.

“Svante has a strong on-site presence, with two full-time operators and additional personnel filling in  as needed,” Sundus says. “Whenever there are interesting  results during the parametric testing, we collaborate with the Svante  team to  analyze the outcomes with expert input from TCM’s side, which provides valuable insights for their technology development.”

Pioneering Technology with Global Implications

Svante’s sorbent material technology is at the forefront of carbon capture innovation, designed to trap CO₂ from industrial settings. The solid sorbent  work within modular rotary contactor machines, offering scalable solutions for industries such as cement, power generation, and refining. By demonstrating that their technology can withstand impurities like SO_x and NO_x without pre-cleaning the flue gas, Svante hopes to pave the way for significant cost savings in carbon capture operations.

The collaboration with TCM underscores the facility’s role as a key partner for technology developers seeking to scale carbon capture solutions. “Svante is very professional and appreciative of the arrangements we’ve made to support their testing. Our advanced analytical capabilities, especially in detecting emissions, make TCM an ideal testing ground,” Sundus says.

A Shared Commitment to Innovation

With operations continuing into early 2025, Svante and TCM are making significant strides toward advancing carbon capture technology. The collaboration not only validates the resilience of Svante’s sorbent technology but also highlights the importance of partnerships in tackling the climate crisis.

By combining Svante’s cutting-edge technology with TCM’s expertise, the campaign is poised to deliver critical insights for scaling sustainable carbon capture solutions that benefit industries and the environment alike.

TCM regularly receives visitors from many countries eager to see and learn about technologies for CO₂ capture. Recently, senior engineer Klas Solberg of DNV and Gaute Svenningsen, group leader at the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), led a large delegation of representatives from companies participating in three international research projects related to various aspects of carbon capture, transport, and storage. These delegates gathered for project meetings in Bergen and made a joint excursion to learn more about what TCM represents and can offer.

“After the visit, several participants expressed that testing technologies at TCM or receiving assistance to find solutions to specific challenges would be relevant for advancing their emission-reducing projects. This included large oil companies, industrial enterprises, and companies supplying materials for constructing CO₂ capture or storage facilities.”

Studying Impurities in CO₂ in Ship Tanks and Pipelines

At IFE, the KDC project (Kjeller Dense Phase CO2 Corrosion) is now in its fourth phase. All phases have received financial support from CLIMIT in addition to industry funding. KDC-IV began in 2023 and will continue until 2028. The project brings together 22 participants from industries worldwide.

Rolf Nyborg, explains that the KDC projects focus on studying the effects of impurities in CO₂ on corrosion in pipelines and ship tanks.

“The goal is to identify combinations of concentrations of various impurities in CO₂ that ensure safe CO₂ transport. IFE conducts a series of laboratory experiments with controlled amounts of different impurities at ppm levels to study this. This work is central to the development of CO₂ specifications for safe CO₂ transport internationally,” he says.

Material Selection for Injection Wells

IFE is also behind the CO₂WellMat project (Materials for CO₂ injection wells), which started in 2017. With 16 participating companies, including several steel producers the project is now in phase II.

The CO₂WellMat projects focus on studying which stainless steel alloys can be used in the lower sections of CO₂ injection wells, where injected CO₂ meets formation water in the reservoir where CO₂ will be stored. The project examines the effects of impurities in the injected CO₂ on corrosion in various steel and nickel alloys.

This work is crucial for material selection in injection wells for several planned CO₂ storage projects.

Investigating Sulphide Stress Cracking and Corrosion Damage Caused by Hydrogen Sulfide

DNV’s CO₂ Safe & Sour is another collaborative project, involving 15 industrial companies from Norway and abroad. Initiated in 2022, the project examines how increasing levels of hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) will affect the risk of sulfide stress corrosion (SSC) and other corrosion damage in carbon steel pipelines used for CCS.

”The goal is of the project is to provide clearer guidance related to the level of H₂S in the CO₂ stream to be transported in CCS pipelines and in particluar to establish limits for carbon steel with respect to H₂S in dense phase CO₂.” Says project manger Klas Solberg

The project will provide general recommendations for broad industry use and will lead to an update of the DNV-RP-F104 “Design and operation of carbon dioxide pipelines.”

Rouzbeh highlights that the growing international urgency to meet climate targets presents immense potential for Technology Centre Mongstad to aid emerging markets in adopting carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions.

“By forging partnerships with key players across regions such as North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, TCM can establish itself as the premier facility for technology demonstration and risk mitigation.”, says Rouzbeh Jafari.

Rouzbeh Jafari at GHGT-17 in Canada.

“What was your first impression of TCM, and how did that experience shape your decision to join the team?”

“My first visit to TCM was in 2015, during my time with Shell Cansolv. I was immediately impressed by its status as a world-class facility tackling one of the most pressing challenges of our time—carbon emissions reduction. The scale of operations, depth of technical expertise, and unwavering focus on advancing CO₂ capture technologies stood out to me. This experience played a pivotal role in my decision to join TCM, as it offered a rare opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge innovation with real-world impact. The collaborative environment and the chance to work alongside leading experts solidified my belief that TCM was the ideal place to help drive the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon future.”

“As a CO₂ Capture Technologist Consultant starting in 2022, what attracted you to the role, and how did it fit with your long-term career goals?”

“The role offered a chance to tackle one of the planet’s most urgent challenges—reducing carbon emissions—while blending technical problem-solving and collaboration with industry leaders. I was excited by the potential to scale impactful technologies that support the net-zero transition. This role perfectly aligned with my goal to drive meaningful change in energy and environmental sectors, allowing me to apply my expertise in technology maturation and commercialization while influencing sustainable solutions.”

“With over ten years of experience in CO₂ capture technologies, what insights did you bring to TCM, and how have they influenced your contributions?”

”With over a decade of experience in CO₂ capture technologies—ranging from solvent systems to emerging solutions—I have developed a strong expertise in scaling these technologies effectively. At TCM, I’ve optimized testing protocols, refined client campaigns for actionable insights, and aligned capture solutions with industry demands. My contributions have also strengthened TCM’s position in global markets, particularly in North America.”

“Rouzbeh, As Business Development Manager, how do you plan to address challenges and seize opportunities for TCM’s growth?”

“My approach focuses on building strong partnerships, leveraging TCM’s unique capabilities, and navigating evolving regulatory landscapes. TCM’s biggest opportunities lie in expanding its global role in CO₂ capture technology validation, particularly in North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific. Locally, aligning with net-zero strategies in sectors like cement and steel can broaden our impact. My goal is to align TCM’s offerings with market demands, attract new clients, and secure funding for future advancements.”

“How do you engage with stakeholders to advance TCM’s mission?”

“I prioritize trust and collaboration by aligning TCM’s expertise with stakeholders’ goals. Proactively engaging industry partners through workshops and direct dialogue, I ensure TCM remains indispensable in decarbonization efforts. Strategic connections with policymakers and participation in funding programs like the EU Innovation Fund further strengthen TCM’s role. Sharing success stories and showcasing TCM’s impact amplifies our credibility and attracts broader support.”

“What are your priorities this winter, and how do they support TCM’s long-term objectives?”

“My priorities include strengthening client engagement, driving new business opportunities through global funding streams, and ensuring impactful results from testing campaigns. Promoting TCM’s work at conferences and improving internal collaboration will streamline operations and enhance our value proposition, ensuring we remain a leader in CO₂ capture technology validation and commercialization.”

“What changes have you observed during your time at TCM, and how do they reflect its strategic direction?”

“TCM has sharpened its focus on global collaborations, aligning with net-zero goals and emerging markets. Customized testing campaigns and stronger integration between business and technical teams have improved client outcomes, while deepened partnerships reinforce TCM’s position as a hub for innovation and decarbonization.”

“Rouzbeh, What is your vision for TCM’s future?”

“My vision is for TCM to lead globally in advancing CO₂ capture technologies, fostering collaboration, and accelerating decarbonization efforts. By continuing to validate breakthrough technologies, expanding partnerships, and meeting evolving climate targets, TCM will drive innovation and support the transition to a sustainable, low-carbon economy.”

At the end of September, Energy Minister Terje Aasland inaugurated, Northern Lights, the world’s first commercial facility for the transport and permanent storage of CO₂ beneath the seabed. On November 15, nearly 20 TCM employees had the chance to visit this groundbreaking facility and see its operations in action. While TCM focuses on developing and testing CO₂ capture technology, the visit offered insight into the next critical steps in the value chain—transport and storage—as part of Norway’s flagship Longship project.

Fully Operational by Next Year

The Longship project is set to become fully operational next year when the CO₂ capture facility at Heidelberg Materials in Brevik is completed in 2025. The capture technology, extensively tested at TCM, will enable the facility to collect around 400,000 tons of CO₂ annually. The captured CO₂ will then be transported by specially built ships to Øygarden, where it will enter pipelines stretching 110 kilometers out into the North Sea. From there, it will be safely and permanently stored in a reservoir located 2,600 meters below the seabed.

Scaling Up for the Future

Northern Lights will play a key role in transporting liquid CO₂ by ship from both Norwegian and European sources to Øygarden. During the first phase, the facility has the capacity to store 1.5 million tons of CO₂ annually. However, the pipeline from the onshore terminal to the reservoir is designed to accommodate up to 5 million tons. The project aims to gradually scale capacity to 5 million tons per year through phased expansions, aligned with growing demand from industries in Norway and Europe.

The facility’s owners—Equinor, Shell, and Total Energies—are expected to make a decision by February next year regarding a potential investment in Phase 2 of the project, which could further expand the scope and impact of this pioneering CO₂ storage initiative.

This expo in Hamburg had around 15,000 visitors and 800 exhibitors and is the largest event for carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) in the world.

TCM’s stand in the conference area was highly visited. Together with Technical services lead and projects coordinator Koteswara Rao Putta and Communication Manager Liv Lønne Dille, Shah met numerous industry leaders and carbon capture specialists.

Many useful conversations in Hamburg.

Established new and valuable contacts

“We established new and valuable contacts with technology vendors, project owners, and others who may be interested in testing and cooperating with TCM. We are already working to set up meetings with several of them. I hope this will lead to synergies that can accelerate the commercialization of carbon capture technologies,” Shah says.

Koteswara Rao Putta shared that he had fruitful discussions during the event with representatives from several companies interested in collaborating with TCM, either for testing at the facilities or for assistance from TCM Advisory Services to develop their projects.

“I also found it interesting that some were keen to learn more from our open campaigns on the amine plant with MEA and CESAR1 solvents. All of these contacts will be followed up in the coming months.”

Joint Stand with ECCSEL ERIC

At this event, TCM shared a joint stand with ECCSEL ERIC. ECCSEL is the European Research Infrastructure for CO₂ Capture, Utilization, Transport, and Storage (CCUS). Their mission is to advance European research, technology development, innovation, and education in the CCUS field. ECCSEL ERIC is a distributed, integrated research infrastructure that includes interconnected transnational scientific facilities and national hubs.

“ECCSEL ERIC is the largest infrastructure for CCUS in Europe, and we held high-level discussions with them. That they chose to collaborate with TCM at this event was positively noted,” emphasizes Muhammad Ismail Shah.

Based on the positive experience for TCM’s business development at the expo in Hamburg, the management has already made a decision: “We will return to Hamburg next year,” says Liv Lønne Dille.

“TCM received outstanding attention for both our lectures and presentations at GHGT-17, as well as our booth in the exhibition area,” shared Matthew Campbell, Technology Manager at Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM).

From October 20 to 24, 2024, GHGT-17 gathered the world’s leading CCS experts in Calgary, Canada, uniting researchers, industry leaders, government officials, and business partners from around the world to exchange insights on the latest greenhouse gas mitigation technologies. Representing TCM were Technology Manager, Matthew Campbell, Business Development Manager Rouzbeh Jafari, and Senior CO₂ Capture Technologist Ahmad Wakaa.

Great activity for TCM at GHGT-17 in Calgary.

A “Packed House” with TCM on Stage

Collaborating with industry and research partners, including Equinor, Gassnova, ION Clean Energy, InnoSepra, NIVA, Shell, SINTEF, and TotalEnergies, TCM made a substantial contribution to GHGT-17. The team delivered five oral presentations and displayed three posters, each drawing notable interest.

“The interest in these presentations was immense,” Matthew remarked. “In several sessions, the room filled to capacity, with lines forming outside and some attendees standing at the back. The level of engagement was thrilling for us as presenters, sparking valuable discussions afterward.”

Rouzbeh added, “We are now actively following up with contacts made at the event, including both former TCM clients and new companies interested in collaborative CO₂ capture technology development and testing.”

Highlighted Papers and Posters at GHGT-17

The following papers and posters were presented by TCM and its collaborators at GHGT-17:

• Design, Development, and Validation of Analytical Methods for Measuring Degradation Products of CESAR1 Solvent by LC-MS/MS
• Pilot-Scale Testing of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) for Post-Combustion CO₂ Capture at Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM)
• CESAR1 Solvent Degradation in Pilot and Laboratory Scale
• Using a Dynamic Modeling Tool to Ensure the Safety of Drinking Water Sources near an Amine-Based CO₂ Capture Plant
• Demonstration of the Latest Advancements in CANSOLV CO₂ Capture Technology at TCM
• Transformational Sorbent-Based Process for Substantially Reducing CO₂ Capture Costs
• Demonstration of ION’s Novel Capture Solvent (ICE-31) at TCM’s Amine Plant with Results on Transformational Deep Decarbonization and CO₂ Capture Co-Benefits
• 18 Years of Public-Private Partnership for Developing Post-Combustion CO₂ Capture at Technology Centre Mongstad in Norway

For more details on the presentations, visit our news page:

• We look forward to sharing our knowledge with the world’s CO₂ capture experts

• TCM knowledge shared at international CCS conference

The modification team have to rely largely on themselves to deal with the day-to-day challenges – because there aren’t many others to ask. But in my experience, when people are given responsibility, they step up. Leadership is about showing respect and trust!

The Modification Team

Kjetil Hantveit became head of the modification department at TCM in 2014. Prior to that, he had worked for almost ten years at Equinor on several large oil and gas projects in the North Sea and onshore, including the Mongstad refinery and the construction project for the new technology centre.

“I was used to having a large team of experts around me and knew that wouldn’t be the case at TCM. But I was intrigued by the many and varied technical challenges and the responsibility that comes with putting my name to the solutions that the team collectively decides are best for each operation or project.”

His team includes Magne Tresvik, an electrical engineer who, in addition to planning and installing all electrical systems, also ensures that documentation and drawings are kept up to date. Roger Solheim is the site supervisor who co-ordinates all modification work with the engineering and operations departments and analyses HSE risks. Istvan Szabo is a PDMS designer who continuously updates the plant’s 3D model to incorporate modifications using the Plant Design Management System (PDMS), now better known as E3D. These four form the core of Modifications. They also benefit greatly from the services of Elisabeth Nilsen as document controller and Jorunn Hovda, who works in finance and administration with budgeting and monitoring all orders and requisitions. The department also manages two people who work permanently at TCM with scaffolding and installation work.

“What sets this team apart is their extensive experience in knowing what’s needed to ensure that every test campaign planned at the Amine Plant and the site for Emerging Technologies can be carried out in accordance with the customer’s wishes and conditions. Among the employees, Istvan is the youngest, having started his career at TCM in 2015!”

“What is a typical working day like for you and your team?

“Typically, we receive proposals from the operations and engineering departments for changes that need to be made to the structures as part of a campaign. Our job is to evaluate possible improvements based on a study of the specific technology being tested, such as pipe dimensions and other technical issues that naturally arise. Our technical assessments lead to a solution, which is then estimated in terms of cost. Once the basis for modifications has been decided, our role is to ensure that the changes on paper are carried out on the plant. We make agreements with suppliers for welding and electrical work, and make sure they do what we’ve agreed. We then carry out tests before handing over the installations to operations. In addition, we maintain a dialogue with Business Development when potential customers have questions about what modifications are required for a possible technology test at TCM.

“How do you work with other departments at TCM?

“I can honestly say that we don’t face any challenges in terms of collaboration at TCM. We’re a small organisation with specialised expertise in CO₂ capture, and we’re used to working across departments to solve problems that may arise in connection with a test campaign. The feedback we get from our customers shows that the team spirit at TCM is highly appreciated.

Two test campaigns have started at TCM this autumn: Honeywell at the amine plant and Svante at the Emerging Technologies site.

“How have these campaigns required adaptations or modifications to the facility to allow the customers to effectively test their technologies?”

“The Honeywell campaign involves the installation of new and better measuring equipment, which will remain permanently at the amine plant after the campaign. For Svante, we have been involved with their people in the assembly and installation of the modules that will be used and tested to ensure that they work as intended. I’m optimistic that these campaigns will go smoothly.

“TCM’s amine plant has been in operation since 2012. How are modification involved in the planning and implementation of technical upgrades to the plant?”

“Over the years, Modifications has played an active role, including the installation of a new filter (BD) in the plant to reduce the amount of particles in the flue gas. We’ve also made several improvements both inside and outside the absorber tower. We are currently working on a study of possible modifications to adapt the plant to the new composition of the flue gas we receive from the refinery’s heat plant”.

“How do you see new technologies contributing to more efficient operations in the coming years?

“For our part, we are already seeing the benefits of AI, for example in calculating the dimensions of equipment. However, we need to make sure that we, as humans, understand the basis for the results that appear on the PC, so that we don’t make bad investment decisions. We’ve also acquired equipment that allows us to visualise planned changes to the plant before they are physically made. So yes, we’re constantly adopting new technology to do the job better and with fewer people than before.

“TCM is in transition. How does this affect Modifications? Are you optimistic about the future?

“The work being done now to strengthen the sustainability of TCM’s operations is great – because with this transition we have all the conditions to continue as the world’s largest and most flexible CO₂ capture test centre. Change has played a central role in the establishment of the Site for Emerging Technologies, and I believe we need to focus even more on becoming the site of choice for testing new and innovative capture methods. The expansion with new areas and increased capacity will provide plenty of work not only for us in Modifications, but for the whole of TCM. Most importantly, we must continue to be a company with great opportunities for professional development and a strong internal culture. Those of us who work at TCM are privileged, both because we do very important work and because the working environment is exceptionally good. This gives me confidence for the future!

The new Honeywell/UT Austin technology is an advanced solvent designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) found in flue gases generated from power, steel, cement and other industrial plants. The technology is the product of a multi-year cooperative agreement that was supported by the U.S. Department of Energy Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management and managed by the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL).

Engineering-scale testing

Engineering-scale testing enables technology developers to understand the technical and performance risks of the technology and validate scaling factors that will enable design of future commercial-scale systems.

In the technology to be tested, CO₂ is absorbed into an amine solvent and then sent to a stripper where it is separated from the solvent. This CO₂ would then be compressed for geological sequestration or used for other purposes. The technology is designed to be retrofitted within existing plants or included as part of a new installation.

The engineering-scale testing of the solvent technology beginning in October builds upon successful pilot-scale testing performed at the National Carbon Capture Center in 2023 and at UT Austin’s Separations Research Program plant in 2022. That testing totaled approximately 7,000 hours.

A technology solution to capture 95% of a facility’s CO₂ emission

The lessons learned through long-term field tests, along with complementary bench-scale studies on mitigating solvent oxidation, has led to a technology solution to capture 95% of a facility’s CO₂ emissions while managing non-CO₂ emissions and reducing operating costs and environmental impacts relative to state-of-the-art carbon capture approaches.

According to the International Energy Agency, carbon capture can contribute about 20% of reduction in CO₂ emissions needed to prevent uncontrolled global warming and achieve zero emissions targets. Testing and validation of CO₂ capture technologies is an important part of the solution to the climate crisis.

TCM is the world’s largest and most flexible test facility for developing CO₂ capture technologies and a leading competence center for carbon capture. It features unique scale and flexibility to simulate real-world conditions for post-combustion capture.

Ismail Shah, TCM’s managing director, said “TCM is glad to welcome Honeywell to our amine facility. We are looking forward to testing and verifying Honeywell CO₂ capture technology and efficiently achieving campaign objectives by offering TCM capabilities. Together we will support accelerating commercialization of Honeywell’s technology.”

Large-scale, real-world testing fills an important gap between small-scale pilot projects and full-scale deployment of technologies. The TCM facility provides the ability to test a wide range of technologies on industrial flue gases as well as access to a comprehensive data set that can be used for comparison with similar or other technologies.

Honeywell

Honeywell is an integrated operating company serving a broad range of industries around the world. The business is aligned with three megatrends – automation, the future of aviation and energy transition. Honeywell helps organizations solve complex challenges, providing solutions and innovations through aerospace technologies, industrial automation, building automation and energy and sustainability.

UT Austin 

UT Austin collaborates with a diverse array of partners — including entrepreneurs, investors, technology incubators, and large enterprises — and generates more than 150 new technologies each year, providing abundant and varied opportunities for industry collaboration.

NETL

NETL is a DOE national laboratory that drives innovation and delivers solutions for an environmentally sustainable and prosperous energy future. By using its world-class talent and research facilities, NETL is ensuring affordable, abundant, and reliable energy that drives a robust economy and national security, while developing technologies to manage carbon across the full life cycle, enabling environmental sustainability for all Americans.