Known for his positivity and hands-on approach, he is an integral part of the TCM team. Stig admits that he cannot stand saying no, which naturally makes him excellent at saying yes.

As the Technical Property Supervisor at TCM, Stig Åge Vabø has a lot to oversee and follow up on. Here, he is inspecting an electrical cabinet.

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

“In 2017, we moved from Bergen to Lindås, but the company I worked for still had its office at Danmarksplass in central Bergen. After repeatedly getting stuck in traffic on my way home, I decided to look for a job closer to home. A position at TCM came up almost by chance. I was thrilled to get the offer and haven’t regretted it for a single day.”

“Did you know much about carbon capture before joining TCM?”

“I actually knew what TCM was working on because I helped install CCTV and access control systems during the construction phase.”

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

“What excites me most is that my job as a Technical Property Supervisor is both strategic and hands-on. This combination allows me to me to constantly learn new things. I’m passionate about technology, and problem-solving and the interaction between people and buildings are rewarding and exciting. No two days at TCM are the same. I appreciate being challenged with new tasks and take pride in ensuring that everything related to the building’s technical systems operates flawlessly.”

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

“The TCM administration building is equipped with advanced systems for ventilation, heating, and cooling (HVAC), which require daily monitoring and maintenance. I’m also responsible for electrical systems, fire alarms, access control, and smart building solutions that optimize energy use. My job is to ensure these systems are functioning and well-maintained. When technical issues arise, I troubleshoot and work to resolve them quickly to ensure that operations, whether in the control room or the laboratory, are not affected. I also manage compliance with mandatory inspections and certifications for the building’s technical systems.”

When technical issues arise, Stig Åge Vabø has to troubleshoot. “I try to find solutions as quickly as possible so that operations, for example in the control room or the laboratory, are not affected.

“Who do you work most closely with, and how is the collaboration?”

“I’m part of the Finance & Administration department, which is a small but efficient service team for the rest of the organization. With such a wide range of responsibilities, teamwork is essential. The collaboration within our team works excellently.”

“What gives you energy and joy at work?”

“I thrive most when I manage to resolve technical issues quickly as they arise. I also find great joy in helping colleagues who might be stuck with a technical problem and seeing the solution work. Often, it doesn’t take much, but it’s highly appreciated. People at TCM are kind to one another, and I value that a lot—it’s not something you can take for granted at every workplace.”

“You hold a master craftsman certificate as a glazier. Does this come in handy at TCM? And how has your past work experience shaped your role, Stig?”

“The master certificate proves both technical expertise and qualifications for running a business. My first trade was as a building glazier, which is helpful for maintaining the doors and windows on the building. I’ve also worked as a locksmith, which is valuable when dealing with over 70 electronic locks at TCM. Additionally, my experience as a service technician in electronics has been beneficial for managing access control and HVAC systems.”

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

“Some say I’m part of Stoltenberg’s ‘moon landing project.’ This gives me the chance to explain how vital carbon capture technology is for achieving climate goals, both in Norway and globally. It’s exciting to highlight how TCM’s work contributes to a cleaner, more sustainable future. The overall impression is that I work at an innovative workplace with great significance for the future.”

“What do you find most challenging about your job?”

“My biggest headache is dealing with external suppliers who don’t deliver as expected or fail to meet agreements. Although this can be frustrating, I focus on finding practical solutions and fostering open communication to ensure expectations are met.”

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

“It would have to be Sara Eriksson, who was named TCM’s best chef just a few months into her role. Going to lunch and enjoying the wonderful meals she prepares is an absolute pleasure.”

“Stig, How do you recharge after a long day?”

“I usually take a walk with our dog, the happiest Portuguese Water Dog in the world—though, ironically, she’s a bit afraid of water. In the summer, I enjoy spending time on the water in a boat or kayak, and in the winter, I love skiing. It’s a refreshing way to recharge both physically and mentally.”

“What are your thoughts about the future?”

“Looking ahead, I feel fortunate to work at a place where innovation meets an important purpose. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that what we do contributes to a sustainable future. My hope is to keep playing my part in this important mission until I retire.”

As a CO₂ Capture Technologist at TCM, Dimitrios plays a key role in tackling one of the planet’s greatest challenges: climate change. In this interview, he reflects on his journey, what drives him, and how he balances work and life in Norway.

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

“I was introduced to TCM by Christina Martavaltzi, a former TCMer. She’s also from Greece and an alumna of AUTh. I met Christina here in Bergen while she was looking for new recruits for her Business Development department. What attracted me to TCM was its leading role in carbon capture technology and its focus on sustainability.”

“How has it been to move from sunny Greece to cold and rainy Norway?”

“It’s not as bad as people think. Winters in Greece can also be cold—for instance, it snowed in Thessaloniki last week. The cold here isn’t unbearable, and Bergen’s weather is milder than in other parts of Norway. But it rains a lot! The toughest part, though, is the lack of a proper summer.”

“What was the most surprising thing about Norwegian culture or lifestyle when you first arrived?”

“Having spent five months as an exchange student in Stockholm in 2012, I already had a good sense of the Scandinavian lifestyle and culture. However, one thing I wasn’t prepared for was the sheer variety of Norwegian dialects and accents—it’s fascinating but also challenging!”

“What inspired you to work with carbon capture?”

“I wanted to work on something meaningful that focuses on sustainability and the future. Growing up in Greece, I saw firsthand how environmental challenges can affect daily life. Carbon capture is a critical part of the solution for combating climate change, and it’s a step toward a better future.”

“How did your previous role as a Process Engineer at C Solutions prepare you for your current role at TCM?

“Working as a Process Engineer at C Solutions taught me to think critically and work in a structured, methodical way. I also gained hands-on experience with processes that are directly relevant to carbon capture, which helped me transition smoothly into my role at TCM.”

“What is the most exciting aspect of your job at TCM?”

“One of the most exciting parts of my job is coordinating campaigns. It involves reaching out to people, explaining problems, gathering information, and coming up with plans or solutions. It’s challenging at times, but it’s incredibly rewarding when everything comes together.”

“Can you share a specific project or campaign at TCM that you’re particularly proud of?”

“I have been deeply involved in the MOF4AIR and Svante campaigns. While I am not the primary coordinator for these campaigns, they have been essential to my training and onboarding process. I take great pride in the contributions I’ve made to both projects.”

Name: Dimitrios Siozos (formal), but they call me Dimitris (34)

Marital Status: Married

From: Ioannina, Greece

Job: CO₂ Capture Technologist

Education: Master’s degree, Chemical Engineering, from Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTh), Greece

Work Experience: CO₂ Capture Technologist at TCM from June 2024 to present.
Process Engineer at C Solutions (2015 – 2023)

Good at: Planning, fixing stuff

Cannot stand: Poetry and my wife’s music taste

Hobby: Dancing, Music, Padel, Cooking, Gaming

Dreams of: A house close to nature, kids, dogs and maybe a small farm

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

“They’re proud of me, though not all of them fully understand what I do. The people closest to me have the best understanding, and they support me wholeheartedly.”

“What gives you energy and joy at work?”

“Learning new things every day is a big motivator for me. I also love meeting like-minded people and having the chance to engage in meaningful conversations about engineering and science.”

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

“Adapting to a new environment, a new language, and new people has been the biggest challenge. It’s something everyone goes through when starting in a new place, but it gets easier over time.”

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

“I would give it to Anette Knarvik, my onboarding buddy and onsite manager. She was incredibly supportive, explaining so much and helping me navigate the frustrations of starting something new. She’s about to become a mother, and I wish her all the best!”

“What do you value most about your colleagues at TCM?”

“Their openness, patience, and welcoming attitude make me feel like I truly belong. These are three things I value the most.”

“How do you recharge after a long day at work?”

“I usually take a nap on the bus ride home, which helps me recharge a bit. One or two days a week, I play padel with colleagues after work—it’s a great way to blow off steam. When I get home, I take my dog for a walk, and sometimes I cook dinner while sharing a beer or glass of wine with my wife as we talk about our day.”

“What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Norway or starting a career in carbon capture?”

“I highly recommend trying to learn the language and familiarize themselves with the customs. While most Norwegians speak English fluently and communication won’t be an issue, speaking the local language makes it much easier to integrate and feel like part of the community. Even if your Norwegian isn’t perfect, people will appreciate the effort. Also, don’t underestimate the value of networking—it can open many doors in Norway.”

“What plans do you have for the future?”

“My goal is to continue advancing in my career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. It might sound simple, but in my experience, it’s not always easy to achieve.”

After work, Liv finds peace walking her dog and getting her hands dirty in the garden of her beautiful home in Kragerø.

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

”I started at Gassnova in 2007, so I’ve been following TCM since the facility was just a concept on the drawing board. At one point, I was also seconded to TCM as Head of Information. In 2023, Ismail Shah asked me to take on responsibility for communication work part-time, and of course, I couldn’t say no to that.”

”What is the most exciting aspect of your job at TCM, Liv?”

”Conveying ideas and knowledge has been a consistent thread running through my entire professional life. Because I am genuinely passionate about Norway and the world achieving climate goals, it’s hard to imagine a more exciting workplace than TCM. Here, I can fully use my creativity to plan and implement activities that highlight and explain the importance of developing effective technologies for carbon capture. The fact that TCM enjoys just as much recognition internationally as it does domestically makes the job even more exciting and interesting. I’m not just talking about communication through text and images in digital channels but also about profiling at trade fairs, conferences, and direct engagement with hundreds of visitors at Mongstad every year.”

”What inspired you to work with carbon capture?”

”The political process that led to the construction and realization of TCM was incredibly educational and inspiring. I was one of the lucky ones who got to attend the grand opening in 2012 and have since followed everything that has happened to ensure CCS becomes one of the tools the planet truly needs in the fight against climate change. This year, with the launch of Longship, we’re reaching a significant milestone, and TCM’s role in enabling Norway to demonstrate carbon capture and storage in practice cannot be overstated. Without testing technologies at near full scale at Mongstad, we wouldn’t have the knowledge necessary to realize Longship and many other CCS projects internationally.”

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

”I enjoy talking about what I do and feel I get a good response from those around me. Technical explanations of how CO₂ is captured aren’t always easy to grasp, but many find it exciting to hear about how we work with politicians and society at large to build acceptance for CCS. They also feel a bit proud when I, for instance, share stories about preparing for and executing the Crown Prince’s visit to TCM last year. Then they understand that what I’m doing is important and why I’m so passionate about it.”

”What gives you energy and joy at work”

”I thrive most when I can collaborate with colleagues to create great ideas for communicating about what we’re doing and getting people to deliver on what we’ve agreed upon. TCM stands out with a team of diverse competencies, where everyone cares about the company and participates in efforts, big and small, to promote the business. This motivates me so much that I often lose track of time, long after office hours are over. In addition to the creative process, I love how the TCM team shares their enthusiasm for climate work. When we find solutions together, I truly feel the value of what we’re doing.”

”What do you think is the biggest challenge in your work, Liv?”

”We can’t deny that interest in CCS, and thus TCM, has fluctuated over the years. After nearly 13 years of testing activities, we’re seeing a significant shift towards greater demand for information from industries considering using the available technology in their projects, although climate issues might not rank as high on the agenda for politicians and the general public. Our biggest challenge this year is therefore maintaining a high level of awareness among the Norwegian public about the importance of CCS and TCM’s significant contributions. We have a solid plan for that.”

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

”A colorful sunflower goes to Jorunn Hovda in Finance & Administration. She’s a positive person who takes responsibility and always goes the extra mile to get things done. The Crown Prince’s visit is just one of many examples of the “invisible” work she carried out that was crucial to making the event a success.”

”How do you recharge after a long day at work?”

”Walking our energetic Border Terrier gives me both exercise and mental clarity. Afterward, there’s little that beats the feeling of putting my hands in the soil in the garden or taking in the smell of freshly baked bread in the kitchen. Baking is great therapy, and it tastes good and spreads joy. Liv’s loaf has a good reputation among friends and family.”

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.”

2_capture_technologist_consultant_starting_in_2022,_what_attracted_you_to_the_role,_and_how_did_it_fit_with_your_long-term_career_goals?"">“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.”

2_capture_technologies,_what_insights_did_you_bring_to_tcm,_and_how_have_they_influenced_your_contributions?"">“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.