Is CLIMIT’s Effort Bearing Fruit?

In this interview, Arvid Nøttveit, Chair of the CLIMIT Program Board, shares his reflections on the development of CLIMIT, its current significance, and the future outlook for the program.

Concrete Results

For many years, the CLIMIT program has been a central player in Norway’s efforts in carbon capture and storage (CCS). With its long history and influence both nationally and internationally, the program has helped position Norway as a leader in CCS technology.
– CLIMIT has received much attention, and rightly so. The attention is not only a result of the program’s success but also of a conscious effort to effectively highlight the results, says Arvid Nøttveit.

A few years ago, significant changes were made to CLIMIT’s website with the aim of increasing transparency. Now, anyone can easily get an overview of how many projects are ongoing, which ones have been completed, and what they have achieved. This increased visibility has had a positive effect on the program’s grantees. – When those who receive support see their work is being documented, recognized, and shared, it contributes to a sense of pride. It is important for CLIMIT to showcase real results and ensure these results are noticed both nationally and internationally, he explains.

Communicating research results and technological developments to a broader audience is often challenging, especially when the technology being developed is complex. – Often, millimetre precision must be balanced with the message to be conveyed. ‘Simplify without oversimplifying’ is an important mantra in our communication. It’s about making complex technologies understandable to the public without losing technical nuances.

The Programme Plan

Nøttveit describes CLIMIT’s program plan as a solid strategic document that provides direction and structure for the program board. – The big idea behind the program plan is to have a document that helps plan future projects and assess new proposals. Arvid further explains that the program plan serves as a reference when new project applications come in. – If a project falls outside the plan’s scope, it cannot be supported. For applications on the borderline, longer discussions in the program board are often required to determine if they should be supported. Thus, this plan serves as both a ‘guiding star’ and a practical tool in the decision-making process.

Although the program plan is revised regularly, typically every three or four years, Nøttveit emphasizes the importance of ensuring the plan remains relevant in a constantly changing world. New technologies and trends are considered when the plan is updated, making it a living document that continuously adapts to the external environment. – The program plan is not just a theoretical document but something we actively use to ensure that the projects we support align with our strategic goals.

The current program plan was developed in 2021 and remains strong, according to Nøttveit. While some concepts have become more relevant in recent years, such as direct air capture (DAC), the main structure is solid. – As we review the plan, we will consider how we can adapt it to the latest research, technological developments, and innovations. I believe the main structure will remain intact. CLIMIT has always been proactive in relation to technological advancements, and it is this proactivity that ensures the plan remains relevant.

Predictable Frameworks

Funding is another important factor. Nøttveit points out that CLIMIT has managed to maintain a stable financial situation over time, despite budget cuts that all research programs experience from time to time. Periods of smaller budgets have affected the funding of basic research, innovation projects, and larger demonstration projects. Stability is crucial for CLIMIT to continue building strong competence environments and driving long-term technology development.

– Predictability in funding makes it possible to plan long-term, which is one of the main reasons CLIMIT has been so successful, he says.

– Many countries have had periods of major investments, but these have often been followed by periods of cuts or complete halts in research efforts.

Achievements

When the conversation turns to specific achievements, Nøttveit highlights the Longship project as CLIMIT’s largest so far. Although CLIMIT cannot take all the credit for Longship, they have played a significant role in supporting the research and technology development that made the project possible.

– Longship is a major milestone for Norway, and it has had an inspiring effect internationally. Collaboration between the government, private sector, and research institutions has been a key factor in the success. This is something special for Norway, he says.

The cooperation between various actors in Norway is unique and crucial for the success of projects like Longship. – In this country, we have a culture of working together towards common goals. This has given us great advantages, especially in large projects like Longship. He believes that the government has been good at listening to the different actors in the process, which has resulted in decisions that have gained support from both industrial, academic, and governmental sectors. – I think this collaboration is one of the main reasons why Norway has been so successful with Longship and other similar projects, he adds.

CLIMIT’s influence does not stop at Norway’s borders. The program also has global influence and is well-known worldwide among those working with CCS. – We have strong ties to research and technology communities in other countries, especially in Europe, says Nøttveit. Through its long history and solid results, CLIMIT is seen as a leading player in the field and attracts interest from around the world. – When we organize conferences or participate in international forums, we see great interest in the work we do. We have participants from all over the world who want to learn from our experiences.

The Future

Despite the successes, Nøttveit also sees challenges for the future. One of the biggest challenges will be maintaining financial stability. – For CLIMIT, it will be crucial to ensure continued predictable and stable funding to continue supporting the important projects the program works with.

Another challenge is keeping pace with the rapid technological development. World is changing quickly, and new technologies and methods are constantly emerging. CLIMIT must be flexible enough to adapt to changes and ensure the program always supports the most relevant and groundbreaking projects.

When it comes to addressing these challenges, Nøttveit emphasizes the importance of continuing to advocate for the significance of CLIMIT, both nationally and internationally.
– We work closely with the government to ensure they understand the value CLIMIT brings to Norway and the global community, he says. In addition, CLIMIT is in dialogue with private actors to explore opportunities for collaboration and co-financing of projects. – Technologically, it is important to ensure that we have the right people with the right expertise in the program. We must be able to identify and support the technologies with the greatest potential, and we must be flexible enough to adapt when new opportunities arise.

CLIMIT’s great strength lies in the combination of stability and flexibility. This enables the program to support both large, long-term projects like Longship and smaller, innovative projects that can grow over time. The strong collaboration with both national and international actors, provides access to a broad range of resources and expertise, which enhances the quality of the projects supported.

Nøttveit is convinced that CLIMIT will continue to play an important role in Norway’s carbon capture and storage strategy. – CLIMIT has been a key player here, and I see no reason for this to change. As technology and the market evolve, CLIMIT will also evolve. We will continue to be a catalyst for innovation and technology development, and we will play a central role in Norway’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The next major milestones for CLIMIT will be linked to further development of existing technologies, and exploration of new opportunities in carbon capture and storage.
– Technologies such as direct air capture of CO₂ will likely receive even more attention in the future, along with projects related to blue hydrogen. We will focus on ensuring that Norway continues to be a leading player in CCS technology – both through projects like Longship and through new initiatives that may emerge, says Nøttveit.

Through targeted research and technology development, the CLIMIT program contributes to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and ensuring a sustainable future. – CLIMIT is a program which delivers real results, and we are determined to continue this important work in the years to come. With the expertise and experience CLIMIT has built up, I am confident that the program will continue to be a leading player in the CCS field, concludes the program board chair.