Olivier offers a helping hand

Consequently, TCM’s advisory services related to CO₂ capture have become an increasingly important business area. Recently, Olivier Messager from France took over the role of leading efforts to offer expertise and advice to project developers and operational managers. “It felt like a natural fit to combine my passion for CC(U)S with my professional experience,” he says in this interview.

Olivier Messager is leading TCM’s efforts to offer expertise and advice to project developers and operational managers around the world.

“What is your background in Carbon Capture?”

“I began my journey in Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) in 2011, a year after joining KAUST University in Saudi Arabia. Over the past 13 years, I have gained extensive experience and developed a strong interest in the carbon dioxide cycle, from capture to storage. I have worked with various organizations including KAUST (KSA), TNO (NL), Club CO₂ (FR), The Catalyst Group Resources (USA), and PolyTech Montreal (CAN).”

“Why did you apply for a position at TCM?”

“Over the years, I have observed the development of the TCM site and its unique capabilities in testing both proprietary and non-proprietary solvent technologies. My career has largely involved working as a Business Developer or Technology Transfer Officer for innovative technologies. Therefore, when the Advisory Sales Lead position was advertised, it felt like a natural fit to combine my passion for CC(U)S with my professional experience.”

“What have been your first impressions upon joining TCM?”

“Having primarily worked with research institutes at the lab or prototype scale on adsorbents, membranes, and catalysts, I found it quite impressive to observe the sheer size of the absorber column at the amine capture testing plant. Additionally, I was struck by the profound safety and HSE culture, which is a legacy from Equinor.”

“What does Advisory Service Lead mean?”

“TCM is globally recognized for its testing services, which help Technology Developers validate new technologies at a pre-commercial scale. TCM can accommodate the testing of innovative solvents and has recently opened a second test facility for alternative capture technologies like membranes and adsorbents, available in modular form factors such as containers.

The market demand for CCS is expected to grow in the coming years due to carbon pricing mechanisms and state incentives. Both emitters and EPCs will require advanced expertise for designing and operating carbon capture plants in hard-to-abate industries like cement, steel, and waste-to-energy. With 12 years of experience in running amine-based capture processes at a pre-commercial scale, TCM has accumulated a wealth of data, experience, knowledge, and best practices. To support its mission of facilitating carbon capture deployment, TCM has developed a second line of commercial activity: Advisory Services.”

“Can you be more specific about these Advisory Services?”

“First, TCM is an organization that maintains neutrality among all parties. This means TCM can support by educating customers to make informed decisions. TCM does not deliver engineering packages or consultancy services that would indicate a preferred technology. Instead, our Advisory Services are grounded in over 20,000 hours of testing non-proprietary amine capture processes like MEA and CESAR-1. These services are designed to share TCM’s generic knowledge and know-how through standard knowledge reports on carbon capture and to co-design tailor-made knowledge and solutions with customers, ultimately delivering customer value through Q&A workshops.

We categorize our services into:

• General Advisory Services
• Plant Design Advisory Services
• Plant Operation Advisory Services

A detailed list of our offerings is available on our website: We are advisors (tcmda.com).”

“What about other services like training?”

“In addition to the design and construction of new carbon capture plants, we anticipate a need for training personnel to operate these plants safely, efficiently, and in compliance with HSE regulations. We have started outlining potential training services for emitters and the carbon capture value chain. At this stage, we welcome further input from the market.

TCM invites contributions on training needs or other suggestions from the value chain. You can share your expectations with me at olivier.messager@tcmda.com.”