Putta Loves Being an Advisor

“Engaging with clients, addressing their questions, and finding innovative solutions keeps the work dynamic and rewarding,” says Koteswara Rao Putta in this interview.

Koteswara Rao Putta has been working for more than ten years, contributing to the development of CO₂ capture technologies. The role in TCM’s Advisory Services is the one he enjoys the most.

“How did you become part of the TCM team?”

“It all happened during the COVID-19 pandemic. A few months before my contract at NTNU was set to end, I reached out to TCM’s Managing Director, Muhammad Ismail Shah, whom I had met at CCS conferences before. I told him I was looking for a job and would love to work at TCM. In December 2020, Ismail informed me that there was an opportunity available, but it was initially only for six months. Without hesitation, I said, “Yes, gladly!”

“How was your move from India to Norway?”

“I first moved to Norway for my PhD at NTNU. Fortunately, I already had friends there who were also pursuing their PhDs, which made the transition much easier socially. However, adjusting to the Norwegian winters was a challenge—especially the long, dark months with barely any sunlight. Back in India, I lived in a shared house with friends, so living alone was another big adjustment.”

“What surprised you most about Norwegian culture and behavior?”

“One of the biggest cultural surprises was navigating social dynamics in Norway. It was sometimes hard to tell whether the people I interacted with were friends or just acquaintances. One day, someone would be very open and friendly, and the next, it would feel as if we barely knew each other! It took me some time to understand that this is just how Norwegian social culture works. Now I have three close Norwegian friends 😊. Good relations take time to establish I believe.”

“What inspired you to work with carbon capture?”

“Honestly, before starting my PhD, I didn’t know much about carbon capture. I have to thank my supervisors, Hanna Knuutila and Hallvard Fjøsne Svendsen at NTNU, for introducing me to the field. During my PhD, I was fortunate to meet pioneers like Professor Gary Rochelle from UT Austin, with whom our research group had an active collaboration. Later, at NETL in the USA, I was further inspired by the vision of my group leader, David Miller and the PSE team, along with other mentors. Their expertise and passion for carbon capture deepened my interest in the field.”

“Putta, how has your education prepared you for your role at TCM?”

“I consider myself lucky to have worked with the right people on relevant projects. The knowledge and skills I gained through those experiences made my transition to TCM smooth and enjoyable.”

“What is the most exciting aspect of your job at TCM?”

“Without a doubt, the Advisory Services role is the most exciting. Engaging with clients, addressing their questions, and finding innovative solutions keeps the work dynamic and rewarding.”

“Can you share a specific project at TCM that you’re particularly proud of?”

“One project I’m particularly proud of is my first at TCM, designing a CO₂ capture pilot plant for Wärtsilä. It was quite challenging due to various constraints and modifications that arose during the project. I ended up running 20–30 different simulations to refine the design—it was intense but also a lot of fun!”

“What do your family and friends say about your job?”

“They believe I’m doing meaningful work, and some even find it exciting. Many have said, “This is something that truly needs to be done for future generations,” which is always encouraging to hear.”

“What gives you energy and joy at work?”

“I find great energy and joy in running simulations and uncovering solutions to complex challenges, particularly in our Advisory Services. The thrill of problem-solving—analyzing data, fine-tuning models, and providing actionable insights—keeps me motivated every day. Knowing that my work contributes to real-world solutions in carbon capture and sustainability makes it even more rewarding.”

“What do you think is the biggest challenge in your work?”

“One of the biggest challenges is the limited ability to test new ideas due to the complexity and time required to implement new projects. There are many innovative concepts I’d love to explore, but practical constraints sometimes slow down the process.”

“If you were to give a colleague a flower, who would it be—and why?”

“I would give a flower to my manager, Matthew Campbell, for his constant encouragement, support, and valuable feedback. His leadership has made a significant impact on my journey at TCM.”

“What do you value most about your colleagues at TCM, Putta?”

“Their knowledge and experience in solving problems. Collaborating with such a talented and experienced team is both inspiring and a continuous learning opportunity.”

“How do you recharge after a long day at work?”

“Spending quality time with my child is the best way to unwind—it instantly shifts my focus from work to joy. Whether it’s playing together or simply enjoying their laughter, it recharges me like nothing else. Later in the evening, I like to relax with a good TV show, letting my mind drift away from the day’s challenges. That combination of family time and entertainment helps me reset and recharge for the next day.”

“What advice would you give to someone considering a move to Norway or a career in carbon capture?”

“I would encourage them to carefully consider cultural differences, lifestyle changes, and—most importantly—the weather and darkness. The winters can be challenging, especially for those coming from sunnier climates. I’d also advise checking if they already have friends or a support network in the place they’re moving to—it makes a huge difference.”

“What are your future plans?”

“I plan to continue advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) while helping companies build expertise in this critical field. There’s still much to be done, and I look forward to playing a role in shaping a more sustainable future.”