05.12.2023
«A remarkably busy and fulfilling year»
«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.
We are demonstrating to the world how carbon capture technology works in an industrial environment and can significantly reduce CO2 emissions».
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.
Customers are returning to 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.»
Testing Emerging Technologies at TCM
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.
Exemplary Performance
«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. »
Hosted nearly 1.000 visitors
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.