Utvidet mulighetsstudie – konsept og ‘basis of design’ for to prototype verdikjeder i halvindustriell skala

Background and purpose of the project?

The background for this project is the Idea study 618036 «CCS cluster on Øra» (2018), 619092 «Feasibility study CCS cluster on Øra and regionally» (2019 – 2021). The project (620209) was an extension of that feasibility study.
The feasibility study has, among other things, documented quantities and quality of flue gas that are relevant to the CCS project. In addition, it was clarified that the sources’ flue gas quality is suitable for carbon capture and that the different sources may also be suitable for different capture technologies. The studies that have been carried out have provided insight into the technical prerequisites that must be taken into account when the capture facilities are to be designed and adapted to the source. A need has been identified for further dialogue with relevant technology suppliers, piloting and / or demonstration on certain sources in order to map the robustness of the capture technology. Furthermore, a need has been identified for piloting or demonstrating the production of liquid CO₂ (the “liquefaction process”), in order to assess the entire value chain’s robustness and costs as well as the overall plant’s ability to deliver liquid CO₂ that meets Northern Lights quality criteria over time.

What was the goal of the project?

The goal was to develop business models, as well as develop and verify cost-effective technology, with a proportion of Norwegian suppliers and technology as a basis for developing a new carbon capture industry nationally and internationally. The final delivery in the form of a concept report shall contain measurement parameters in relation to the TRL level, cost, environmental impact, proposal for a business model and assessed value creation per ton of CO₂ captured for society.

What has the project done in terms of activities?

The project has developed a concept and “basis of design” for two prototype value chains on a semi-industrial scale, currently based on capture technology from CO₂ Capsol and Compact Carbon Capture (“3C”), both Norwegian with Norske Skog Saugbrugs and Sarpsborg Avfallsenergi as sources. Value chains are defined here as all necessary infrastructure, connection to flue gas at source, pre-treatment of flue gas, CO₂ capture, quality control and possible after-treatment of trapped CO₂, liquefaction as well as transport and intermediate storage of liquefied CO₂.

In addition, active work has been done on a commercialization of Borg CO₂ with a new ownership structure and capitalization to make the company equipped for the future.

What has the project achieved? Were the goals of the project achieved?

The project has shown that the lower Glomma region is well suited for the integration of carbon capture. This is partly because an existing infrastructure such as pipes and energy sources can be used. Furthermore, most partners in this project will participate on the ownership side of Borg CO₂. This provides a good anchorage for the discharge sites and ensures further cooperation. It has been decided to work actively towards financing that is necessary to establish the value chain through triggering national and / or international support. During the project, the terminal part has been separated as a separate company under the name Borg CO₂ Terminal AS (corp. No. 928617947). The goals described in the application are considered achieved and the submitted report is a good tool for the further work.

The further work will include, among other things, socio-economic analysis, LCA analyzer, business models, investment analysis and financing plan, plan and criteria for procurement, regulatory conditions, and establishment of the basis for a future ownership structure for the CCS facilities in own AS. It will be emphasized that the work will qualify for support for investment and operations from national and international policy instruments (eg the CEF Fund and the EU Innovation Fund).
Experience and results from the extended feasibility study, concept development, sub-reports and final report, will strengthen the deliveries in the feasibility study, as well as form the basis for applications for later detailed studies (FEED), as well as applications for support for investment and operation of value chains.

Future plans?

Borg CO₂ envisages an active future. A new ownership structure has been established and the company has actively started the work of developing two value chains with partners:

1. Norske Skog Saugbrugs will first pilot capture technology from CO₂ Capsol AS. This is an activity that is planned for the autumn of 2022 to the spring of 2023. Thereafter, the plan is to carry out FEED and construction of a capture facility at the facility in Halden.
2. Frevar waste incineration plant in Fredrikstad. Preparatory work has already begun here to implement the FEED for the construction of a full-scale plant with a planned start in 2025/2026. A TIP (Technical Information Package) has already been prepared and the process continues.
The work of building and establishing a terminal for shipping liquid CO₂ was part of this project. The work continues through a newly established company Borg CO₂ Terminal AS.
4. Sarpsborg Avfallsenergi, which was one of the two value chains, is the process that will take longer to realize. SAE still wants a collaboration with Borg CO₂ but is dependent on a recommendation from its foreign owners.
5. Borregaard is also wanted as a project within Borg CO₂ and further contact with the company is planned with the aim of realizing this.