The owners of Technology Centre Mongstad DA (TCM), the Norwegian State through Gassnova, Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies, have entered into an agreement for ownership and operation of the centre for the period 2024 – 2025.
Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) is the world’s largest and most flexible test centre for CO2 capture technology verification and leading centre of expertise in the field. Since its inception in 2012, TCM has conducted 23 testing campaigns of different capture technologies at its facilities and has played a key role in the development and commercialization of technologies to enable carbon capture and storage worldwide. The capture technology that will be used in the Norwegian Longship project was tested at TCM.
– Longship would not have been possible without the technology development that took place at the Technology Centre. We are proud of TCM’s important contribution to developing CCS as a key climate technology over the last eleven years, which is now set to continue with increased industry involvement. The centre is attracting a lot of international attention. Major companies are coming to Norway to test their technology, which is important for the spread of CCS technology around the world,” says Terje Aasland, Minister of Petroleum and Energy.
Under the agreement, the shareholding of each of the industrial owners will increase from 8.7 per cent to 22.0 per cent, while the state’s shareholding will be reduced from 73.9 per cent to 34.0 per cent. The owners have also agreed on a plan to develop TCM’s future business model.
“We are very pleased that our owners have created a framework that allows us to continue our important work. To contribute to the development of technologies that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the industry,” says Managing Director Muhammad Ismail Shah. We are ready to build on our successful technology centre here at Mongstad.
Chairman of the Board Svein Ingar Semb, who represents Gassnova, is very pleased with the agreement: “It was natural for the state to reduce its involvement in TCM as the conditions for commercial operation are within reach. The industry is showing increasing interest in developing TCM further, and we will now start to develop TCM after 2026.”
Equinor has been a co-owner of TCM from the start and is also responsible for operating the test facilities. Board member Bjørn Sundland, project manager for low-carbon solutions at Equinor, says that the ownership is of strategic importance for competence development and for Equinor’s low-carbon commitment: “The collaboration with TCM also offers opportunities for technology development that are valuable for our CO2 transport and storage projects. As an operator, Equinor has also gained unique experience and expertise in operating such a CO2 capture facility.
Like Equinor, Shell has been a co-owner of TCM since the initial agreement was signed in 2009. “Over the years, many of our employees have worked at Technology Centre Mongstad and have acquired cutting-edge skills in carbon capture. We are actively using this expertise in projects that complements our target to become a net-zero emissions energy business by 2050,” says Board member Nina Thowsen, Asset Manager at Norske Shell. “Momentum for carbon capture utilisation and storage continues to grow stronger, which provides TCM with the opportunity to further strengthen its position and commercial value proposition.”
TotalEnergies has been co-owner of TCM since 2017. Board member Anne Brisset, who heads TotalEnergies’ research centre in Stavanger, says that TCM has been a catalyst for the development of CO2 capture plants since its inception. “Such a structure, combining large-scale process with research and development, has been a prerequisite for creating commercial companies that will help industry achieve its decarbonisation goals. Our goal is for TCM to continue to be a neutral test bed for suppliers to mature their technologies with a new business model,” says Anne Brisset.
Muhammad Ismail Shah, Managing Director, TCM
Tel. +47 974 95 393
Svein Ingar Semb, Gassnova, Chairman of the Company Meeting (Board) in TCM
Tel. +47 411 62 780
Bjørn Sundland, Equinor, Member of the Company Meeting (Board) in TCM
Tel. +47 905 22 454
Nina Thowsen, Norske Shell, Member of the Company Meeting (Board) in TCM
Tel. +47 977 04 703
Anne Brisset, TotalEnergies, Member of the Company Meeting (Board) in TCM
Tel. +47 905 86 197
“Welcome to the 3rd site!”. Ahmad Wakaa is the Project Coordinator for tests being conducted at TCM’s site for new capture technologies. “The completed and ongoing test campaigns on the site have been the first pages in an exciting new chapter for TCM”, he says.
In 2021, TCM established a cutting-edge testing facility for emerging technologies. Known as the «Site for Emerging Technologies», often referred to as «the 3rd site». This facility is dedicated to testing innovative technologies, including membranes or absorbents. Which are solid materials designed to capture CO2. These emerging technologies are in the early stages of development, presenting exciting opportunities for technology advancement.
TDA Research was the inaugural user of TCM’s modular testing site for new capture technologies. Followed by another American company, Membrane Technology and Research (MTR).
During the spring of this year, TCM concurrently hosted two significant test campaigns at this site: MOF4AIR and ACCSESS. The MOF4AIR project is funded through the EU’s Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme. While ACCSESS is part of the EU’s commitment to achieve climate neutrality by 2050. In the autumn, an American InnoSepra is conducting tests on their innovative technology at the same location.
Ahmad Wakaa serves as TCM’s coordinator for test activities at the Site for Emerging Technologies.And he plays a crucial role in reporting back to clients about the outcomes of these tests.
“The completed and ongoing test campaigns on the Site for Emerging Technologies have been the first pages in an exciting new chapter for TCM. We have tested various types of technologies. Including membranes, sorbents, non-amine-based solvents and rotating packed beds already. And we see interest from other technology types for future testing also. The test results and operating experience from these test campaigns offer great learnings to technology developers (such as TDA, MTR and Innosepra), European research projects (MOF4AIR and ACCSESS), TCM and it’s owner companies. Testing at the Site for Emerging Technologies will be a valuable step in bringing these new technologies to market. To enable the level of emissions reduction needed for the world to reach its climate goal. We need as many tools in the toolbox as possible!”
“This can vary depending on the project, but typically TCM’s involvement begins early with a technology assessment procedure we call our Work Process. Which was the topic of TCM’s recent webinar. We assess the maturity of the technology and help the developers to close any gaps before testing at TCM. The test modules at the Site for Emerging Technologies are often built especially for the test campaign at TCM. And we have provided technical, HSE, operational and quality testing input for the technology developers to consider in their design.
Once the systems arrive at TCM, our Modifications team lead the construction and interconnection work and ensure this work is done safely. After that, TCM’s operating experience is often crucial in aiding commissioning. And initial troubleshooting of the units. This is especially true for instrumentation and analysers. Which generate the valuable test data. The test campaigns themselves are typically operated by the vendor. But operational support from TCM is always available. However, TCM was the operator for the ACCSESS pilot and currently for MOF4AIR. The Technology team at TCM, in which I work, help to coordinate, and optimize the test campaign and to analyze the results.”
“The technology types which have tested on the Site for Emerging Technologies thus far. Have generally been less mature than the conventional amine-based carbon capture systems. However, part of TCM’s strategy is to target “modular” technologies on this site. This means that we look for technologies in which the scale-up strategy is to duplicate a standard design to increase capacity. This scale-up strategy means that testing, de-risking and demonstrating a single module at TCM. Can enable rapid maturation of the modular technology towards the market at a lower cost than large demonstration scale pilot testing like that typically required for amine technologies.”
“TCM has extensive experience with handling proprietary technology testing. Even with multiple technologies testing simultaneously and we leverage this experience on the Site for Emerging Technologies. Data from parallel tests are stored on different servers with strict access control. We also extensively use anonymized chemical names to protect proprietary information. While ensuring that substances are still safely handled according to their classification.”
“As previously mentioned, the Site for Emerging Technologies is a new chapter and a new way of working for TCM. It has been a successful chapter so far, but we have learned a lot along the way that could bring improvements in the future tests. This covers a whole range of topics – too many to list in this article! – but one would be how to best equip test modules to deal with the cold Norwegian winters. We complete this “Lessons Learned” process after every campaign in a structured manner, with involvement from all departments of TCM.”
«As a Master’s student at the University of South-Eastern Norway, I benefited from outstanding guidance during my studies. Which were centered on investigating the maximum operational capacity and limitations of the TCM facility», says Shahin Haji Kermani.
At TCM, the development and dissemination of knowledge related to carbon capture are core elements of its operations. Over the years, the company has authored more than 60 scientific articles. Based on findings and insights derived from open test campaigns conducted at its facilities. Additionally, TCM regularly delivers presentations at international CCS conferences.
TCM also serves as a hub for knowledge enrichment, attracting students and researchers to Mongstad. Who engage in tackling specific issues that lay the groundwork for more efficient carbon capture methods.
Shahin Haji Kermani (31), an Iranian native, completed his master’s degree in chemical engineering at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) in energy and environmental technology. This year, he worked for three months under the guidance of TCM co-supervisor Dr. Koteswara Rao Putta, focusing on exploring the facility’s maximum operational capacity and limitations by simulating various configurations.
«I became interested in carbon capture during my academic pursuits and projects, especially after discussions with my professors at USN,” Shahin explains. “Initially, my master’s thesis advisor, Professor Lars Erik Øi, introduced me to TCM».
«From the outset to the conclusion of my project, I received excellent guidance in model development, troubleshooting, and composing various sections. Additionally, I had access to essential resources for conducting background studies related to my topic.»
«I would like to extend my gratitude to my co-supervisor, Dr. Koteswara Rao Putta, for his invaluable guidance and provision of necessary resources.»
«In general, I was profoundly impressed. TCM possesses a unique opportunity to contribute significantly to the advancement of carbon capture technologies. It appears highly promising and valuable.»
«Currently, I am applying the knowledge I gained during my master’s studies to my role as a process engineer in my permanent job at Aibel.»
«I have a strong desire to work at TCM for future opportunities, and my experience there has greatly shaped my professional career thus far.»
«Thank you, and best of luck in your future endeavors!”
«For TCM, 2023 has been an exceptionally busy and rewarding year. It marks a historic milestone since the facility’s inception in 2012. As we have conducted an unprecedented number of test campaigns and hosted a record number of guests eager to learn from our CO2 capture experiences.
Muhammad Ismail Shah (43) has served as the Managing Director of Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) for nearly two years. He joined the company in 2016, and before becoming the Managing Director, he held the position of Technology Manager at TCM.
TCM’s main task is to de-risk carbon capture technologies by testing, verification, and demonstration to accelerate deployment of cost-effective and industrial-scale CO2 capture. This year, Shell Catalysts & Technologies were the first to use the amine plant. And they successfully tested their proprietary CANSOLV CO2 capture technology until the summer. After that, ION Clean Energy arrived to prepare for the commercialization of the transformation-based ICE-31 solvent. For Shell, this was their third test campaign at TCM, while ION came here for the second time.
«This underscores TCM’s status as the preferred platform for companies committed to CCS for many years. Seeking to evaluate the effectiveness of their innovative technology variations. It also illustrates the continuous enhancement of mature amine technologies. And the ongoing necessity for a testing facility with TCM’s unique capabilities.»
In addition to TCM’s intensive testing programs at the amine plant. The Site for Emerging Technologies witnessed significant activity throughout 2023. During the spring months, two concurrent test campaigns, MOF4AIR and ACCSESS, were started as part of the EU’s green shift initiatives. MOF4AIR utilizes a novel class of metal organic frameworks (MOFs) materials for CO2 capture. While the ACCSESS campaign aimed to test conventional, and process intensified post-combustion capture technology with minimal environmental impact from industrial sources. In the fall, preparations were underway for the testing of proprietary technology by the American company InnoSepra.
«The planning and execution of five test campaigns have presented substantial challenges for all TCM employees,» notes Shah. «I am deeply impressed by the dedication to overcoming technical obstacles. And operating the facilities in a manner that ensures our customers depart from Mongstad. With results that hold immense value for the continued advancement and commercialization of their respective technologies.»
«Furthermore, I want to highlight that, alongside our rigorous testing program. We have offered advisory services to project owners and technology developers this year. Drawing from the knowledge and insights acquired during previous years’ open test campaigns at TCM. Our objective is to accelerate and enable the successful deployment of CCS technology. Our role is to empower customers to pose pertinent questions to potential suppliers. And select the technology that aligns best with their requirements. »
The frequency of meetings with stakeholders from both domestic and international domains is recorded in a guestbook containing nearly 1,000 names. «Despite substantial limitations on physical visits during the pandemic, hardly a day has gone by this year without welcoming invited guests. This reaffirms TCM’s prominent standing as a competence centre for carbon capture.»
TCM’s Managing Director and the leadership team have personally delivered presentations at numerous international seminars and conferences over the course of the year. Through these engagements, meaningful connections have been forged. Which may hold substantial value in the future.
«Our objective is twofold: to inform technology suppliers about TCM’s capabilities. And to foster knowledge sharing with developers and researchers globally. Notably, our collaboration with the Department of Energy (DoE) in the USA has been reinforced, alongside the establishment of robust connections within key networks in the EU. The extensive trust and respect that TCM commands within the international CCS community will play a pivotal role in our continued growth,» concludes Muhammad Ismail Shah.
Through many years of experience with CO2 capture technology, TCM has built up a broad knowledge of what is needed to reduce costs linked to the capture process itself.
A close collaboration with American companies (such as Aspen Technology) through support from the US Department of Energy (DOE) has been important in this work with cost reduction. TCM’s long operational experience and our partners’ experience in interpreting technical results have given us a unique basis for comparison.
Suppliers and technology developers are working on innovative and advanced concepts for CO2 capture. Industrial customers, project developers targeting the CO2 capture projects in their facilities require reliable. And up-to-date cost information using non-proprietary solvents to develop investment strategies, portfolios and evaluate commercial CO2 capture projects. These answers are important for the deployment of CCS in the world.
TCM, together with Aspen Technology’s expert team, have worked to carry out a reliable and accurate costing exercise. By considering all essential elements of the CO2 capture process as reported in 2022 publication below. The key finding from this cost basis study is that the absorber alone accounts for 45% of the total equipment material costs. Cost reduction is therefore possible. Annual total operating costs are estimated to be USD 47 million. Assuming a 25-year lifetime of the plant, the cost of CO2 capture is calculated at USD 47/ton.
In 2017/18, the Technology Center Mongstad (TCM DA) ran a test campaign to capture CO2 using monoethanolamine (MEA) where the facility captured 80 to 200 tons of CO2 per day. The main aim of the experiment was to provide experimental evidence for how to reduce operating and capital costs in CO2 capture. The cost assessment is presented in relation to two previous MEA campaigns at TCM. A reduction in avoided CO2 costs of up to 18% was documented during testing, while further improvements were made in theoretical studies.
In the experiment, the following measures were taken
The results from this testing have helped form the basis for comparisons made by technology suppliers who have brought their solvent to TCM. If the suppliers are to assert themselves in a rapidly developing market, it is wise to check against what is out in the open in this type of information. TCM is more than happy to share more details from this work.
“Satisfied customers are crucial for TCM. The most important proof that we provide a functional and reliable facility is that companies return to Mongstad to test their capture technologies. Safe operation is our ‘modus operandi’,” says Odd Arne Hvidsten.
He has been Operations Engineer at TCM since 2010 and is the most experienced member of the organization when it comes to planning and executing operations at the three test facilities. “In my role, I am responsible for the integrity of the facility, which means that both test campaigns and regular modifications are carried out within safe and appropriate parameters for the tasks at hand. This is the ‘modus operandi’ for all 30 people in our operations organization,” Hvidsten emphasizes.
Equinor is responsible for operating TCM’s test facilities. After graduating from technical college, Odd Arne Hvidsten started as an apprentice at the refinery in 1992 and progressed over the years to become an operations engineer. By 2010, construction of the TCM plant was well underway. Attracted by the opportunity for new challenges, he applied for a similar position at the new neighbor in Mongstad.
“I was hired as the third member of the operations department, after the operations manager and his deputy. At that time, the focus was on building an organization that would oversee the operation of a full-scale CO2 capture plant. As you know, that didn’t happen, but I still found motivation in continuing to work on the operation of two different pilot plants, namely CAP (chilled ammonia) and the amine plant. What drove me was to contribute to solving technically complex problems for which there were no clear answers. Running carbon capture plants at near full scale was pioneering work in the truest sense of the word.
Coming from a well-established culture of operations and safety at the refinery, it was almost inevitable that discussions with the technical experts at TCM would at times be intense. In addition, for a period after opening in 2012, TCM struggled to fully utilize its testing capacity, which did nothing to improve the working environment. “At the time, I don’t think many people could have imagined that TCM would still be operating in 2023, but we managed to do it,” says Hvidsten.
As time went on, the market for running own test campaigns at the amine plant opened, while the owner companies and collaborators invested in open campaigns to advance the development of CO2 capture technology. The knowledge and experience gained from running these campaigns led to fewer teething problems, smoother execution, and much improved collaboration across the TCM.
“Overall, the number of undesirable incidents related to the operation of the plant has been very low, thanks to a strong safety culture and a highly committed workforce. The facility is manned 24/7, with a total of 18 operators working shifts throughout the year, in addition to laboratory technicians, maintenance personnel and departmental management. Our primary responsibility is to ensure that customers receive their allocated supplies of electricity, gas, air, and steam, and to be ‘hands on’ when things don’t go as planned. It’s rarely boring in Operations,” he says with a smile.
Odd Arne Hvidsten emphasizes that the decision to expand TCM’s offering with the ‘Site for Emerging Technologies’, also known as the 3rd Site, has been crucial to the positive development of the Technology Centre.
“The fact that, in recent years, we have also become a testing ground for new technologies that are less mature than the well-established amine technology makes TCM relevant in a whole new market. This expansion has also contributed to smoother operations, which was important from the owners’ perspective.
The test campaigns at the 3rd site have a different rhythm and dynamics compared to those at the amine plant.
“For us in operations, this has been an adjustment, but we enjoy the challenges. We find that our expertise from operating the amine plant also comes in handy when a customer is stuck with questions about, for example, the right temperature or pressure in their processes. The feedback we receive on the support we provide shows that the lasting impression for customers is the high level of professionalism in the operation of the TCM. In addition, the advice that our technical expertise can provide, for example on the design of equipment that needs to be tested, is valuable. This is crucial for tomorrows’ technology providers as they consider where in the world, they can have their technologies tested and verified to ensure that they work in real-world environments, not just in the laboratory”.
As an operations engineer, Odd Arne Hvidsten’s office is close to the large control room in TCM’s administration building. This gives him a good overview of how the plant is running, and he can be called in if anything unexpected happens. He makes daily rounds of the site to check on the status. And if the opportunity arises, he is always ready to have a chat with customers who are working on their projects in Mongstad.
“For someone who likes to meet people from all over the world, TCM is a paradise. Not only do we have a multinational workforce, but you also meet many interesting people who are here for a while to test their ideas and technologies. I have made friends among them who have lived near me, and later visited them in their home countries during holidays with my family. This ‘bonus’ is something I probably wouldn’t have had if I hadn’t worked here,” says the TCM veteran.
Name: Odd Arne Hvidsten
Age: 56
Education: Electro engineer
Marital status: Married, four children
Employment at TCM: Operations engineer since 2010, seconded from Equinor
Fred Rugenyi stands as a trailblazing figure at TCM, having achieved the distinction of being its inaugural master’s student in the specialized field of method development within LC-MS.
Fred Rugenyi remarkable journey not only includes the successful defence of his thesis but also the attainment of an exceptional A grade. A testament to his unwavering commitment and outstanding contributions to the field Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS). With these achievements under his belt, Fred Rugenyi now eagerly embarks on the next chapter of his career. Seizing the myriad of opportunities that await him as he continues to make valuable contributions to TCM.
At TCM, the development and dissemination of knowledge related to carbon capture are core elements of its operations. Over the years, the company has authored more than 60 scientific articles. Based on findings and insights derived from open test campaigns conducted at its facilities. Additionally, TCM regularly delivers presentations at international CCS conferences.
TCM also serves as a hub for knowledge enrichment. Attracting students and researchers to Mongstad who engage in tackling specific issues that lay the groundwork for more efficient carbon capture methods.
Name: Fred Rugenyi
Age: 34
Nationality: Kenyan
Place of study: University of Bergen (UiB)
Completed exams: Erasmus Mundus Master in Quality in Analytical Laboratories
Subject for study: Quality in Analytical Laboratories.
Fred Rugenyi, a 34-year-old native of Kenya. Recently achieved a significant milestone this autumn by earning his EU-funded Erasmus Mundus Master’s degree in Quality in Analytical Laboratories from the University of Bergen (UiB). Fred’s academic journey was enriched by his participation in a collaborative program between TCM and UiB.
His thesis represents the culmination of his extensive studies and hands-on experience in the realms of chemistry, project management, and quality assurance. Furthermore, it stands as a direct contribution to advancing our understanding of amine-based post-combustion carbon capture. A pivotal field in addressing environmental concerns. Fred expresses his satisfaction in being able to contribute directly to a project with tangible applications in his crucial domain, emphasizing the practical impact of his work.
Fred’s introduction to TCM came through Professor Bjørn Grung, the coordinator of the Erasmus Mundus Quality in Analytical Laboratories programme and deputy head of the Department of Chemistry at the University of Bergen.
“I didn’t have a specific defining moment. My interest in the field grew out organically from a curiosity about the versatile applications of chemistry across various domains. I was particularly drawn to measurement chemistry and quality management.”
“My initial impression of TCM was that it represented a highly professional organisation comprised of very intelligent individuals.”
“My primary objective was to conduct a comprehensive qualitative and quantitative analysis of non-volatile solvent degradation components using advanced liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. This endeavour entailed the creation, refinement, validation, and practical application of innovative analytical methods. In the context of CO2 capture, the outcome of this research contributes to an enhanced understanding of the health and environmental implications associated with the solvents employed in CO2 capture systems. Ultimately, this knowledge facilitates better solvent management, leading to reduced consumption, improved operational efficiency of CO2 plants, and a subsequent reduction in the overall cost of CO2 capture.”
“My research journey at TCM has been enriched by the invaluable technical guidance extended by my supervisor, Dr. Muhammad Zeeshan and team members within the Technology department led by Mathew Campbell. TCM has demonstrated its commitment by making essential resources available, encompassing administrative support, access to laboratory equipment, and the provision of necessary chemicals. Moreover, TCM prioritizes the safety and well-being of its researchers, ensuring that work procedures align with health and safety standards. Additionally, I would like to underscore the tremendous moral support I’ve received from the dedicated Mongstad team. Their genuine interest in my work and their willingness to engage with my personal experiences have been truly uplifting.”
“In addressing this question, I would like to refer to my acknowledgment in my thesis: “Dr. Muhammad Zeeshan, your patience, trust and support throughout the project meant a lot to me. Your expertise, insightful feedback and constructive suggestions have helped me refine my ideas and problem-solving approach. I am profoundly grateful for your guidance and constant encouragement. Blair McMaster, your help in understanding the carbon capture process and the Mongstad facility was invaluable.”
The foresight and proactivity of Muhammad Ismail Shah, when serving as the Technology manager, to acquire the state-of-the-art LC-MS as part of the TCM package points to the strategic role of organisational positioning. In addition, I firmly believe that numerous individuals, often working diligently behind the scenes and without immediate recognition, have played a role in fostering a productive work environment. This extends to the decision-makers who formulate and endorse the organization’s overarching goals. It also encompasses those individuals who take the time to guide you in the right direction when you might be feeling disoriented, as well as the entire collaborative community that has contributed to my journey here at TCM.”
“At TCM, I’ve had the privilege of interacting with exceptional talents encompassing a wide spectrum of disciplines, including brilliant mathematicians, chemical engineers, process engineers, mechanical engineers, and modelling experts, among others. This diverse and collaborative group of professionals operates seamlessly as a cohesive team. They offer holistic perspectives, tackle challenges with creative vigour, and craft innovative solutions that are instrumental in driving forward the development of cutting-edge CO2 capture technologies.”
“Yes, my time at TCM has significantly influenced my career aspirations. It has deepened my passion for comprehending the entire carbon capture value chain, with a particular focus on applying CO2 capture to ensure uninterrupted access to energy while upholding commitment to environmentally responsible practices. I am genuinely delighted that TCM has afforded me the opportunity to actively pursue these objectives.”
“TCM provides a unique platform for you to immense yourself in the world of cutting-edge innovations and emerging technologies of the future. Here, you’ll gain access to a diverse range of learning experiences, spanning from early-stage technologies to those in the market and practical applications. Beyond academic knowledge, TCM offers a hands-on education that bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and real-world problem-solving. You’ll have the chance to tackle multidimensional challenges in various fields, all within a multicultural environment that enriches your daily experience. TCM is the place where academic knowledge meets practical application in a truly transformative way.”
“Thank you very much for your time and insight. Good luck!”
“Our commitment lies in actively exploring opportunities for low-carbon power generation at our existing sites through the implementation of carbon capture and hydrogen solutions’’, says Xiaomian Baxter, SSE.
At present, SSE Thermal is making significant strides in the north-east of Scotland and the Humber area in England, where it is focusing on capturing substantial emissions of CO2. Baxter adds, “In this endeavor, we have enjoyed a fruitful collaboration with TCM.”
“We are currently advancing plans at Keadby in the Humber and Peterhead in northeast Scotland. Both of which would be large scale power stations capturing around 95 percent of emissions. These proposed plants would link into the shared CO2 and hydrogen transport and storage infrastructure being developed in the respective industrial clusters.”
“We are focused on a natural gas-fired power plant coupled with CCS. Which needs to be flexible, and achieve high CO2 capture efficiency with the lowest energy consumption possible. So most importantly, the plant needs to work as intended first time and be safe.”
“TCM has over 10 years of solvent testing and plant operation experience at the world’s largest CCS test facility. We saw the value of fast-tracking our CCS design and operational knowledge by learning from TCM’s experience and expertise.”
“We had a test campaign at TCM in 2020. We were looking at the dispatchable operation of CCS plant. Which was not investigated extensively in the past. The test campaign provided us with opportunities to learn about how a capture plant is operated. And how key parameters contribute to the plant’s performance.”
“I would like to highlight the following:
“SSE Thermal’s vision is to become the leading provider of flexible thermal energy in a net zero world.”
“SSE has a target to reduce its carbon intensity by 80 percent by 2030. At SSE Thermal, we are actively developing carbon capture and hydrogen projects which will allow us to continue to keep the lights on while supporting the UK’s net zero drive. And at Keadby, we own and operate one of the world’s most efficient gas-fired power stations and are exploring hydrogen blending into the plant. Additionally, our Keadby 3 Carbon Capture project is the UK’s only power CCS project with development consent order.”
“The current ambition of the UK Government is to have a net zero power system by 2035. To reach that milestone, we must accelerate the decarbonization of the power sector. Which means bringing forward low-carbon projects urgently. In doing so, we can increase the pace towards net zero while delivering a just transition for workers and communities in the UK’s industrial heartlands.”
Boulder, Colorado-based ION Clean Energy returns to the world’s largest and most advanced carbon capture test facility as it prepares for commercialization of transformational ICE-31 solvent with revolutionary stability.
ION Clean Energy and Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) have come to terms on an agreement to bring ION’s groundbreaking ICE-31 solvent technology to TCM for further validation of the technology’s performance over parametric and steady-state testing that will demonstrate the ION solvent’s remarkable stability and prove that there is no significant solvent degradation as the technology is scaled up.
The initiative is part of ION’s commercial development program and will take the ICE-31 solvent’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) from TRL 6 to TRL 7 with a successful campaign. Successfully testing ICE-31 at the scale of TCM will decrease the financial risk for ION and its customers because it will prove the technology’s performance at a larger scale than prior testing has allowed. Additionally, ION will gather valuable process data and increase its knowledge of how the technology performs in greater detail than previously possible.
“TCM is the world’s foremost testing ground for carbon capture technologies and we’re excited to return and further prove the transformative performance of ICE-31,” said ION Chief Technology Officer, Erik Meuleman, Ph.D. “The team at TCM is world class and the data we derive from this campaign will prove that our technology is as well. We’re excited to get back to Norway and continue our efforts to deploy ICE-31 commercially as we all work towards a shared goal of net-zero carbon emissions.”
As the world’s largest and most flexible carbon capture test center available to the public, TCM has the ability to demonstrate the performance of the most mature amine technologies, further de-risking and optimizing the performance that allows the TRL for a technology to increase. “We are very excited to see ION coming back to TCM with their ICE-31 solvent. At TCM, we are pleased to be able to contribute with our expertise and more than 10 years of experience with CO2 capture technology,” said TCM Technology Manager, Matthew Campbell.
Both the US Department of Energy (DOE), Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management and The Norwegian Ministry for Petroleum and Energy make great contributions to mitigating climate change and are supportive of ION’s technology. The Norwegian Ministry for Petroleum and Energy is also the majority owner of TCM.
ION’s test campaign is planned to start in October and last for 4 months.
ION was founded in 2008 in Boulder, Colorado and is a worldwide leader in carbon dioxide capture technologies that reduce overall costs and make CO2 capture a more viable option for greenhouse gas mitigation. The company is commercializing proprietary liquid absorbent process technology that demonstrates transformational performance and is more effective and cost efficient than current commercial solutions to capture CO2 emissions from utility and industrial point sources. Most significantly, ION’s technology can capture more than 95% of CO2 emissions with extremely low emissions, unprecedented solvent stability and low energy requirements.
Contact person: Ryan Skubic, VP, Marketing & Communications, Ryan.Skubic*ioncleanenergy.com
Technology Centre Mongstad DA (TCM) main objective is to test, verify and demonstrate different technologies related to cost-efficient and industrial scale CO2 capture. Moreover, to provide advisory services to carbon capture projects. The goal is to facilitate the advancement of carbon capture technology for mass deployment across industries.
TCM is located at one of Norway’s most complex industrial facilities, Mongstad in Vestland county. TCM is owned by the Norwegian State, through Gassnova (73.9%), together with the industrial partners Equinor (8,7%), Shell (8,7%) and TotalEnergies (8,7%). Equinor is the operator of the facility.
«The recent conference in Pittsburgh served as a testament to the remarkable collaborative efforts underway in the United States. Government authorities, technology providers, and research institutions are diligently working together to mitigate CO2 emissions within the industry and remove CO2 from the atmosphere.
Every year, during August, the National Energy Technology Laboratory (NETL), acting on behalf of the US Department of Energy (DoE), organizes the Carbon Management Research Project Review Meeting in Pittsburgh. This year, the conference drew a staggering of 1.200 participants from around the globe, including TCM’s managing Director Muhammad Ismail Shah and Technology Manager Matthew Campbell.
US DoE/NETL is dedicated to driving research and development efforts that contribute to reducing CO2 emissions, including the capture and storage of CO2. The DoE has been actively involved in funding several test campaigns at Mongstad. Among them, RTI International, which last years conducted a test of their technology for capturing CO2 from fossil fuel power plants and industry.
«RTI was one of the companies with whom we engaged in fruitful discussions during the conference. They expressed keen interest in returning to Mongstad to test an enhanced version of their technology,» Shah and Campbell says.
«Additionally, we had a productive meetings with Susteon, Unviersity of Kentucky and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, which have developed efficient CO2 capture technologies. They aspire to conduct large-scale technology tests beyond the capacity of their own facilities. These organizations and several othersare eager to tap into TCM’s expertise, especially regarding our experience in emissions mitigation and other unique capabilities within the realm of CO2 capture.»
Through the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), the Biden administration embarked on the most extensive climate and energy effort ever in American history last year. A total of 369 billion dollars has been allocated to stimulate investments in renewable energy and zero-emission technology.
«The IRA has undeniably accelerated the development of new technologies and the implementation of mature technologies within the industry to achieve climate goals. Witnessing the tremendous enthusiasm in Pittsburgh, eminating from politicians, the industry leaders, and technologists alike, was truly inspiring,» states TCM’s representatives at the conference.
