Gerard Lombardo retires from TCM

Over the years, the knowledgeable and approachable Frenchman has found solutions to countless technical complications – an effort that both customers, partners and colleagues have benefited from. But now he is retiring and is looking forward to his new life.

– What was the background for your interest in CO₂ capture?

 – I have worked with chemistry and chemical processes throughout my career. In 2007, I was hired as a consultant by Gassnova to participate in the project for CO₂ capture from the gas power plant at Kårstø and was employed by the company two years later. The task then was planning of full-scale capture of the refinery at Mongstad. As is well known, nothing came of these projects, but I was nevertheless «hooked». So, when I was asked to be process engineer for the technology centre, it was easy to accept the offer.

– How was your first meeting with TCM?

 – I came to Mongstad for the first time a few months after the opening of TCM in 2012 and was impressed by what I saw. During the first couple of years, I commuted from my home in Larvik on a weekly basis. The first task was to assist Alstom in their test campaign at the chilled ammonia plant, which was both demanding and educational. Thereafter, I’ve been involved as an advisor in the planning and execution of the campaigns that have been carried out at the amine plan, as well as all modifications to the plant that have been necessary along the way. It’s been many long days with challenges that needs to be solved, but it’s been very rewarding and interesting.

– What will you highlight as the most rewarding and interesting work you have taken part in at TCM?

 – When I look back, it is our ability to continuously solve all the technical problems that have arisen when testing different solvents, that has given me the greatest pleasure. Capturing CO₂ is complicated, and problems often occur. Solving these within strict emissions requirements while providing learning and results for the technology suppliers, requires a profound understanding of the nature of the flue gases and the different processes. When deviations occur, the reasons must be analysed, and the errors corrected immediately so that the campaign can continue and be completed within the time frame. The feedback we receive from our customers shows that the TCM-team’s ability to hands-on problem solving is highly valued. I don’t think anyone has left Mongstad being disappointed by our efforts.

– Over the years, four scientific MEA campaigns have been carried out at TCM. What significance have these had for the development of projects for the capture and storage of CO₂ on a full scale?

– The fact that TCM, in addition to carrying out test campaigns for suppliers of proprietary solvents, also have had the ability and resources to carry out open, scientific campaigns have been very important for the development of CCS as a tool in the fight against climate change. This is because the results of the experiments with both MEA and CESAR1, which have been documented and published, have provided important learning and references for anyone concerned with developing cost-effective solvents for capturing CO₂. Through these campaigns we have learned that both MEA and CESAR1 have their clear weaknesses and limitations. Therefore, both research institutions and industry must work hard to develop alternatives with greater utility. I would also like to add that the owner-financed campaigns also helped strengthen TCM’s international status and credibility, and thus helped to increase the number of suppliers who wants to conduct tests with us.

– In general, looking back since the start in 2012, what do people that worked at TCM, or are still working there, have reason to be proud of?

– For me, as a Frenchman, it’s a paradox and almost a fairy tale that Norway, a small nation with relatively minor emission problems, chose to build the world’s largest and most flexible test facility at almost full scale. It should have happened in large countries with a lot of industry based on coal power. But Jens Stoltenberg, and other politicians with him, had a vision, and were confident that the industrial and technical expertise in Norway could realize the construction and operation of a technology centre with an international format. The risk of failing was very high, but history shows that we have managed it – and everyone involved should be proud!

– In regard to CCS, capturing CO₂ is considered the most technically complicated and demanding part of the process. In Norway, two capture facilities are now being built, one in Brevik and one at Klemetsrud in Oslo. How can TCM help these projects succeed?

– The technology suppliers, Aker Carbon Capture to Heidelberg Materials (Heidelberg Materials) in Brevik and Shell Cansolv to Hafslund Oslo Celsio, have both conducted tests at TCM, and I feel confident that the projects will capture the expected volumes. However, as in all projects with new technology, there may start-up problems. Remember that it’s people, and not machines, who constructs. Errors must therefore be expected. TCM will however, be able to contribute with training of personnel who will operate the facilities and advise on modifications that may prove necessary.

– CO₂ capture technology is mature enough to be used, but there is still a need for significant cost reductions so that the technology can be used more broadly. How can TCM contribute to this?

– I mentioned the public- and research-based campaigns TCM have conducted with MEA. In short, these tests have demonstrated that this solvent can be suitable for full-scale use, but it’s demanding both due to efficiency and costs. The CCS industry needs therefore a new reference-solvent for use in full-scale capture facilities, such as CESAR1. In my opinion, no one is closer to developing and testing this than TCM.

– TCM have solved several challenges related to amine technology by MEA campaigns, for example amine aerosol emissions, continuous measurements of amine to air, etc. What other technical topics do you think are still lacking testing and good solutions, and how can TCM play an important role in this?

– Going from testing a solvent at TCM to continuous operation at a full-scale plant is demanding. The CCS industry lacks a good tool to create satisfactory simulations of how the process for capturing CO₂ from a point emission will unfold. Development of a good simulation tool is one of several technical tasks TCM can work on.

– You are probably the person in Norway with the deepest knowledge of important factors for CO₂ capture. When full-scale capture facilities are put into operation, to what degree do you think the professional community are able to contribute with solutions for the technical challenges that will arise?

– Over the past 10 – 15 years, in large part thanks to TCM, applicable capture technologies based on amine technology have been developed for full-scale use, of which the projects in Longship are examples. The professional environment, both in Norway and internationally, have good conditions for contributing with solutions to the technical challenges that will arise. However, the main challenge is that the planning and realization of capture and storage on a full scale, is still far too slow for CCS to fulfil its intended role in combating the excessively high emissions in the world. In my opinion, it’s mainly related to construction costs. The lengthy processes associated with political discussion and decision-making, planning, and then construction of facilities, is in themselves very cost-driving. If you managed to get what now takes at least five years, done in three, the total costs would have been far more advantageous – and given industries with high emissions an incentive to start taking measures much faster.

– What is your wish for TCM in the years to come?

– I have mentioned some specific tasks of a technical nature that I hope TCM will have the opportunity to work on. I am convinced that those who see business opportunities in the development of technologies for capturing CO₂ will still need to carry out tests. This applies to improvements to mature technologies as well as the development of completely new ones – where TCM offers first-classes facilities at the Site for emerging technologies. But all this presupposes that the Norwegian authorities, together with the industrial owners, continue to show the will and courage to provide TCM the financial basis needed for continuing operation. I’m now withdrawing and becoming a pensioner. However, if someone from TCM calls and asks for help with a technical problem, I won’t hesitate to answer the phone, says Gerard Lombardo with a smile.