Norwegian carbon capture research hub extends operations

NORWAY’S carbon capture research hub, Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM), has been given government approval to continue operations until the end of 2023.

TCM is operated by state enterprise Gassnova, along with Equinor, Shell, and Total. It has been operating since 2012 and has been vital for the development of carbon capture technology through testing and demonstrating new technologies on an industrial scale. The current agreement for operation of the facility was due to expire in August 2020, and a new agreement has now been reached to extend operations until the end of 2023. The new agreement will also provide a framework to bring in new industrial partners in an effort to reduce TCM’s reliance on state aid and financial contributions from industrial owners.

Tina Bru, Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy, said: “The technology centre at Mongstad is an important part of the Norwegian carbon capture and storage (CCS) efforts, making significant contributions to the development of a necessary tool to mitigate climate change. I appreciate that we have reached an agreement with the partners Equinor, Shell and Total to continue the operation of the facilities. The industrial commitment to TCM is very important for the government. The new agreement provides a good foundation to continue the positive development at TCM.”

Roy Vardheim, Gassnova's Chairman of TCM, said: “Collaboration is key to ensuring the development and deployment of effective capture technologies in the future. We are very pleased that both the Norwegian Government and our industrial owners have renewed their commitment to TCM operations. Now we will continue our efforts to making carbon capture as efficient as possible to combat climate change.”