He is leaving TCM – but Karstein Street remains

“It has been an adventure,” says the veteran who was honored in January by having a street on the facility named after him. “An incredibly nice gesture from the company and my wonderful colleagues. I must have done something good and important!”

At TCM, many of those with significant responsibilities during the project and construction phases have had their names put on street signs at the facility. Karstein was both then and later among the “foot soldiers” at TCM, those who ensured that the installations and equipment for CO₂ capture were in place and functioning properly. During a staff meeting last year, there was a hint that a nameless street stub should be given a sign with Karstein’s name.

“I didn’t think much of it at the time until a few months later when a colleague asked me what I had planned for lunch. As I returned from the cafeteria, I noticed that there were unusually many people dressing up in yellow protective gear. My supervisor, Kjetil Hantveit, told me he wanted me to join him for a tour of the facility to get an update on the progress of ongoing projects. When we arrived at 3rd Site, most of TCM was already there. I felt a bit embarrassed when I realized they were there for me. But I greatly appreciated the recognition. Undoubtedly, a highlight that’s nice to reminisce about.”

How was your first meeting with TCM?

“It was in November 2009, and the groundwork on the large site was well underway. I had been working offshore for several years and was interested in a job on land, preferably near my home in Manger. At that time, I was employed by Aibel, where I had worked for 43 years. Aibel had a contract for the engineering of significant parts of the TCM facility, which also included overseeing the construction phase. This suited me well, given my background in electrical work, and I was eager to be a part of it. It involved a lot of diverse tasks, but it was incredibly educational.”

Two and a half years later, the facility opened with great fanfare. What did you do then?

” I was, of course, present and took part in the celebration. Jens Stoltenberg spoke about how important TCM was going to be in the effort to achieve the climate goals, and he was right, even though the “moon landing” didn’t happen. When I started in 2009, I didn’t have specific knowledge about carbon capture, but I gradually understood that testing technologies could be a crucial part of the solution to reduce emissions from the industry. It wasn’t obvious that I would continue into the operational phase, but I was happy when the opportunity came through the employment modifications department. Not only because the job was exciting but also because the working environment at TCM, both then and now, is incredibly good.”

How would you describe the job you had at TCM?

“The main task has been the planning and implementation of modifications and upgrades to the facility, as well as a central role in the execution of annual maintenance shutdowns. In “Mod,” we are a team of six working together on this, and we also try to assist with operations and maintenance when necessary. In the same way, Mod gets support from these departments when we need it.

Over the years, I have been primarily responsible for project follow-up in the field, closely collaborating with suppliers from all disciplines and professional groups. The cooperation has been excellent. Now, I am passing the baton to Roger Solheim, and it will go smoothly. In addition to his background in electrical engineering, he also has process experience that will be valuable.”

“Are there any specific projects or events from your work at TCM that you remember with particular joy?”

” Then I would like to highlight the establishment of the “Site for Emerging Technologies” (3rd Site), which has been incredibly exciting. I had the opportunity to be involved in the planning and supervision of the construction process at the site for new capture methods, which required a lot from the TCM organization and our suppliers. The offerings at this site have attracted several new customers, indicating that the effort and investment made by TCM have been worthwhile.”

What would you say has been particularly challenging in your work at TCM?

“In 2016, a new filter (BD) was installed in the facility to reduce the number of particles in the flue gas. There have also been several upgrades carried out internally and externally in the absorber tower. These projects involved numerous challenging tasks in terms of planning and execution, including working at heights, demanding lifting operations, welding, and confined space entry.”

How has it been to collaborate with customers from around the world who have come to TCM to test technologies?

” I haven’t had direct responsibility for that dialogue, but there has been some communication, nonetheless. There has been a bit of a cultural collision, and neither Southern Europeans nor Americans find it easy to understand the strict HSE (Health, Safety, and Environment) regulations at TCM, as well as the Norwegian requirements for working hours and working environment. But overall, the collaboration has gone well. They just need a little explanation of how and why things are the way they are.”

When you look back at the operations of TCM since its inception in 2012, what do those who have worked and still work there have the most reason to be proud of?

“The short answer is that TCM maintains a high professional level in what we do and has delivered good results in the test campaigns. The quality of what we deliver is high, which is largely due to good collaboration across the organization.”

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

“I believe in carbon capture as a tool in the fight against climate change, and I have hope that TCM will continue to play an important role in the work of optimizing the design and operation of full-scale capture facilities, especially in reducing energy consumption. I also hope that the development of entirely new technologies will continue. The expertise at TCM is too valuable in the battle to meet climate goals to not be utilized – for many years to come. Therefore, I will follow with interest all the exciting things that lie ahead for TCM, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank all my great colleagues for their collaboration – for the insightful conversations and thoughtfulness when it was needed. I wish them good luck!”

Are you looking forward to retirement?

“I have never dreaded going to work and I will definitely miss TCM, both the interesting professional challenges and the social life within the company. I must be honest about that. But there is a time for everything, and I don’t think it will be a problem to keep myself occupied as a retiree. I will try to stay fit with hikes, maybe some jogging and cycling. My wife Astrid and I live in a large house where there are always things that need fixing. We also have a fishing cabin in Stolmen, Austevoll, which hopefully we can visit more often. We both enjoy it there. The ocean is right outside, which is perfect for me as an avid hobby fisherman. Astrid plans to work for another two years and expects a cooked dinner every day. But even though I enjoy cooking, I can’t promise that. Our eldest daughter lives nearby in Manger, and the youngest one in Moss, so I’m looking forward to spending more time with their families. And if the neighborhood association or other organizations need a helping hand, I won’t hesitate to lend my assistance if they want me to volunteer. Life goes on with a new chapter. It will be different from what it has been, but I’m sure it will be good!”