SINTEF recommends developing a national plan to provide direction and certainty for industrial actors in their future planning.

Who Will Take the Next Step?

Ragnhild Skagestad, Project Manager for Process Technology at SINTEF Industry, has led a concept study on CO₂ infrastructure together with Kristin Jordal from SINTEF Energy. In their dialogues with industry, authorities, and technology communities, a common message has emerged: many actors have promising initiatives, but are uncertain about national developments. Without a shared direction, it is difficult to know where investments should be placed and how to ensure flexibility for future users. The project concludes that a comprehensive national plan is needed to outline how CO₂ infrastructure can be built out in Norway – and that this responsibility must rest with the authorities.

Need for Coordination

According to Skagestad, we are already seeing a trend where projects are being developed on a first-come, first-served basis and tailored to the needs of individual actors. While this may work in the short term, it increases the risk that the resulting infrastructure will not be cost-efficient or accessible to others in the future.

Skagestad emphasizes that there are many possible approaches to building CO₂ infrastructure. What matters most, however, is having an overarching understanding of how the different parts connect. Without this, there is a risk of technical challenges, high costs, and, in the worst case, some emission sources will be excluded.

SINTEF believes infrastructure must be viewed holistically – similar to the transport sector. Core infrastructure for captured CO₂ should be planned and facilitated at the national level, so that individual companies can connect as needed.

High Engagement, Low Willingness to Pay

As part of the concept study, SINTEF arranged workshops and meetings with industrial clusters, transporters, authorities, and advisors. While many stakeholders are eager to contribute knowledge and input, few are willing to fund overarching planning efforts. Skagestad stresses that this is not due to a lack of interest. Rather, it stems from uncertainty about which actors will own, build, and operate the infrastructure. Many are happy to join reference groups and participate in processes, but expect the government to take the lead in planning.

Geographical Challenges

Uncertainty also arises from the question of where CO₂ will be stored, and how it will be transported. This is especially true for actors located far from current solutions. – The Northern Lights terminal in Øygarden likely won’t be able to meet all future needs. For emission sources in Northern Norway or Eastern Norway, it’s unclear what kind of storage options will be available – or whether they will be able to connect at all without new pipelines or terminals, says Skagestad. She acknowledges several promising regional initiatives, but notes that a coordinated national assessment of technical and economic feasibility is still lacking.

Diverse Industries, Diverse Needs

Developing CO₂ infrastructure brings together a wide range of industries. While Skagestad sees this as a strength, it can also lead to disagreements on what constitutes acceptable risk, and which standards should apply. Ernst Petter Axelsen from Gassnova, who serves as CLIMIT’s advisor for this SINTEF project, highlights the divide. – The oil and gas sector has long experience with safety-critical infrastructure and tends to apply strict and costly standards to CCS. For land-based industries, this can be challenging. Many smaller players have limited emissions volumes and tight financial margins; they need flexible and accessible solutions.

In December 2024, Gassnova published an article on the potential for cost reductions across the CCS value chain.

Proposal: Public Review

– One suggestion is that the state launches a Norwegian Official Report (NOU) on national CO₂ infrastructure, says Skagestad. Such a process could provide scientific grounding and gather input from across the country. She believes the study should explore where infrastructure should be located, how different actors can connect, and what costs and benefits follow from various models. Skagestad stresses that this should not become a rigid master plan, but rather a flexible framework to guide further development. Goal is to reduce uncertainty and enable broader participation in CCS development.

Greater Predictability, Lower Risk

Skagestad hopes SINTEF’s report will spark discussion on how Norway can best develop a national CO₂ infrastructure. She argues that a well-crafted government plan would provide the predictability needed to avoid costly missteps. The goal is not micromanagement, but rather to make it easier for industry to plan and adopt solutions that deliver both emission cuts and economic sustainability.

In April 2024, Gassnova reported on preparations for this concept study, which has received NOK 200,000 in support from CLIMIT.

The project began when Pierre Cerasi, Senior Research Scientist at SINTEF Industry, met Geniwind at a conference in Bergen. With a background in offshore wind, Geniwind presented an autonomous seabed monitoring concept. – I thought this could be used for monitoring offshore CO₂ storage sites in a much more affordable way than today’s seismic campaigns, Cerasi says.

Moderate Budgets

The collaboration led to an idea development project supported by CLIMIT Demo. Total budget was NOK 300,000, half of which was covered by CLIMIT. SINTEF financed the rest with internal funds. This preliminary phase was completed March 2025.

How to Monitor CO₂ Storage for “Eternity”?

CO₂ storage in the subsurface requires long-term monitoring to ensure the gas remains where it is intended. But who covers the cost of monitoring over decades or centuries? Pierre Cerasi emphasizes that new solutions must be both cost-effective and operationally practical. – If we can install monitoring equipment deep below the seabed, we reduce noise from all ocean activity and complications from sound wave reflections off the seabed. By staying below 100 meters depth, we avoid much of the noise and can install equipment using simple mechanical drilling, he explains.

The Solution Proposed by SINTEF and Geniwind Includes:

• Shallow wells that can be hammered into the seabed, eliminating the need for drilling rigs. These are equipped with fiber optics and sensors measuring pressure, temperature, and deformation
• Autonomous underwater vehicles that retrieve data from the wells and seabed nodes
• Minimal installation – no need for complex or expensive offshore operations

Costs Must Come Down

A crucial part of the development has been identifying the right depth – deep enough to yield reliable data, but shallow enough to keep costs low. Fiber-optic cables provide high resolution and multiple measurement points. They also offer flexibility for future maintenance.
– This project has, among other things, evaluated experiences from Shell’s Quest project in Canada, which uses highly advanced technology. Pierre Cerasi and his colleagues conclude that most measurements could have been carried out with simpler and cheaper methods. This is highly valuable insight because costs throughout the chain must come down for CCS to succeed globally, says Ernst Petter Axelsen, Gassnova’s representative in CLIMIT and advisor to the SINTEF and Geniwind project.

What Is Already Available on the Market?

Project mapping showed that a wide range of sensors already exists – including for chemical parameters, pressure, and seismic activity. They can withstand pressure and temperature in wells down to 100 meters. This makes it possible to assemble a monitoring system without having to develop all technologies from scratch. The goal is a system that is easy to install, simple to maintain – and cheap enough to be deployed at scale.

Cross-Border Collaboration

The next step is to expand into a larger international project. SINTEF is included in the main French application, but the company must apply separately in Norway. Support from bilateral programs between Norway and France is also under consideration. SINTEF has solid experience with such cooperation, for example the CLIMIT-Demo project SNOWPACCS, with the Swiss Swisstopo a few years ago.

Towards a New Standard for Monitoring?

By combining autonomous drones, fiber optics, and strategically placed sensors, SINTEF and Geniwind are pointing toward a new generation of monitoring systems for CO₂ storage. Not only can this reduce costs, but it could also make it practically feasible to monitor storage sites for centuries.

ThermoPhys was established in 2024, and its first pilot project was completed
in February 2025. The company currently has three employees and plans to expand. The team includes experts with more than a decade of research experience from SINTEF.

The goal is to fill a critical gap in the CCS value chain and make computational tools more comprehensible. With support from CLIMIT-Demo, ThermoPhys launched a pilot project to map industry needs and potential solutions. The company now plans a larger CLIMIT Demo application in collaboration with both commercial software providers and end users.

From Frustration to Solution

– We were frustrated that decades of research on CO₂ and hydrogen were scattered and inaccessible to the industry, says Øivind Wilhelmsen, one of the founders of ThermoPhys. He explains that while advanced computational codes developed at SINTEF and NTNU are publicly available on GitHub, they lack user interfaces or support for the people who actually need them. ThermoPhys was founded to make this knowledge available through user-friendly software. The objective is to improve safety and reduce costs throughout the CO₂ capture, transport, and storage value chain.

– In CCS, it’s not enough to know that CO₂ can be stored, you must also understand how the mixture behaves under different conditions. Will it form acid? Dry ice? Hydrates? These are questions the industry is asking, and we believe ThermoPhys can help answer them, says Ernst Petter Axelsen. As Gassnova’s representative in CLIMIT, Axelsen is advisor to ThermoPhys on the project.

From Open Source Code to Commercial Interface

ThermoPhys builds on open-source research code, packaging it into a visual and user-friendly interface. – You shouldn’t have to be a domain expert to understand what’s happening inside your pipelines. But the model still has to be scientifically grounded and based on the best available data, says Wilhelmsen.

The aim is to make it easier for both operators and financial stakeholders to make well-informed decisions, based on accurate and validated calculation methods.

Collaboration with Oliasoft and a Dedicated Cloud Platform

ThermoPhys is currently advancing on two fronts. In addition to developing its own software, the company is working with others who aim to offer digital CCS tools. In collaboration with Oliasoft, ThermoPhys will integrate its models into software for well injection.

Since 2005, the CLIMIT Programme have seen a major development in the programme’s mandate.

Design of the programme

CLIMIT’s priorities are laid out in a separate programme plan, which defines the types of projects that can be supported. The programme plan is revised every three to four years. These revisions have been necessary to follow trends in technology development within the framework and mandate of the programme. As such, the CLIMIT programme has moved from just supporting projects related to CCS at gas-fired power plants to now including technologies for both the energy and industrial sectors. A key condition for the programme is the requirement for long-term carbon storage for CCS to be viewed as a viable climate initiative.

Research, development and demonstration

The cooperation between Gassnova and the Research Council of Norway has been incredibly fruitful, not least because the programme has a joint secretariat.

CLIMIT R&D is the research arm of the programme, managed by the Research Council of Norway. It focuses on basic research and development of new knowledge and technologies for CCS.

CLIMIT Demo is the demonstration arm, managed by Gassnova. It supports the development, piloting and demonstration of technologies at larger scale to reduce risks and costs. Several projects have progressed from R&D to Demo. It is the dialogue and understanding in the secretariat which is important for getting this to work for applicants.

What is going on around us?

The expansion of carbon capture and storage as a method to combat climate change has been slow due to a weak market for these solutions. A significant barrier has been the absence of robust business models that offer investors the predictability and earning potential needed to commit to CCS projects.

Interest in and the relevance of CCS is well documented, but the current market weakness has resulted in a weak ability to pay and justified scepticism from private stakeholders interested in building fullscale facilities to capture carbon.

However, the CLIMIT programme has been able to make a difference here. The best example is the Longship project, where previous CLIMIT projects have been vital for Norway now being able to realise large-scale carbon capture and storage. Another example is the cluster projects. CLIMIT has contributed to industrial actors cooperating on common CCS infrastructure. In other words, CLIMIT is vital to the work on reducing industrial greenhouse gas emissions.

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Technology trends and future opportunities

When CCS projects need to be realised – such as when Longship moves into its operational phase, for example – experience from the operational phase will offer major learning opportunities that will provide a basis for improvements of technologies and solutions that are already mature. These learning opportunities will contribute to the further development of well-functioning technologies towards a standardisation that will reduce costs and risks.

It is reasonable to expect that interest in wholly new solutions based on CCS will grow in the years ahead and will be of significance for which development projects will be picked up by Norwegian industry. The production of hydrogen from natural gas with CCS, direct air capture or in combination with the use of biomass, use of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) and international cooperation projects are relevant examples in this context. CLIMIT will also be important for promoting such technologies.

Collaboration and networking

CLIMIT promote collaboration between industry, academia and international partners. This is crucial for strengthening the dissemination of knowledge and ensuring relevance for industrial use both in Norway and internationally.

Communication and dissemination

It is important that CLIMIT-supported projects contribute to the dissemination of information to provide the public and decision makers with sufficient knowledge about CCS as a necessary climate initiative. Projects are encouraged to also include public information campaigns via social media, discussion fora and other public spaces.

We look forward to our continued cooperation with those receiving CLIMIT support.

Combination of membrane technology and liquefaction results in excellent energy efficiency and high purity of the end products. The project MACH-2 was a collaboration between SINTEF Industry, SINTEF Energy, and NTNU. CLIMIT supported the project with NOK 7.5 million.

A Key Energy Carrier

Hydrogen is a crucial energy carrier in the transition to a low-emission society. To reduce greenhouse gas emissions associated with hydrogen production from natural gas, CO₂ must be effectively captured and managed. The MACH-2 project, which ran from 2019 to 2024, developed a novel process that integrates two established capture technologies.

– Our approach was to combine hydrogen production using Protonic Membrane Reformer (PMR) technology with low-temperature CO₂ capture via liquefaction in a new, integrated process – where both technologies operate within their optimal performance ranges, says Thijs Peters, Project Manager at SINTEF Industry.

CO₂ Purity and Calorific Value

The membrane technology uses ceramic materials to produce hydrogen from natural gas, which is reformed directly on the membranes. The process is powered by electricity and internal heat generated during hydrogen separation through the membrane. The retentate gas, what does not pass through the membrane, contains CO₂, water vapor and residual hydrogen.
– Membranes are excellent for extracting hydrogen, but there is a limit to how much can be recovered before efficiency declines. Therefore, we allow a portion to remain and capture CO₂ in the subsequent stage, Peters explains. The retentate is then processed in a separate unit, where CO₂ is liquefied through cooling and pressurization.

Model Validation

Several experiments were conducted during the project period. Membrane stability was tested for up to 1800 hours, including variations in gas composition and hydrogen withdrawal. Liquefaction experiments were performed using gas mixtures containing hydrogen, methane and carbon monoxide. To accommodate these experiments, the Cold Carbon Capture Pilot rig in Trondheim was upgraded. The tests demonstrated that CO₂ could be separated at up to 99.9 % purity, under pressures between 40 and 70 bar and temperatures as low as -55 °C. – We compared the results with simulation models. The models aligned well with the experiments, which gives us confidence in relying on simulations for designing future systems, says the SINTEF Industry project manager.

Low Energy Loss and High Capture Rate

Through simulation and optimization, MACH-2 developed a process flow model for the entire system. It demonstrates that an integrated process provides higher energy efficiency and lower CO₂ emissions, compared to more conventional hydrogen production methods with CO₂ capture. This indicates that the concept is economically competitive.

Ready for Next Phase

Results are now being carried forward in new projects, including a planned demonstration facility with a hydrogen production capacity of 50 kg per day. The technology is also being applied in European projects where membranes are used for biogas capture.

The “Disruptive CO₂ Capture” (CO₂ Adsorption Technology) project has total budget of NOK 24 million, of which 50 % is financed by CLIMIT.  

While CO₂ capture using solvents is currently the dominant method, it remains expensive and energy intensive. Adsorption, where CO₂ is captured by solid materials called sorbents, offers a promising alternative. The goal is clear; reduce both capital expenditure (CAPEX) and operating costs (OPEX), by at least 20 % compared to current leading absorption systems.

– We’re trying to find the best material-process combination. Ambition is to optimize both the sorbent material and the process design to reduce costs and improve efficiency, says Dr Shreenath Krishnamurthy, Senior researcher and Project Manager at SINTEF.

Why Adsorption?

Unlike solvent-based absorption systems, which rely on chemicals to bind CO₂, adsorption uses solid materials to capture CO₂ molecules directly from flue gases. Potential advantages are many; lower energy requirements, better atmospheric emission profiles, and possibly more compact plant designs. Adsorption is not yet mature for point source CO₂ capture, with many technical hurdles to overcome.

A Theoretical Backbone

At the heart of the project is a sophisticated simulation model designed to test different combinations of materials and processes. DCC3 aims to evaluate temperature swing adsorption processes for NGCC flue gas. The team is building a flexible mathematical framework and cost framework which can simulate a range of adsorption processes from fixed beds, rotary beds, fluidized bed and moving bed processes, by switching specific parameters on and off. These simulations are grounded in gas-phase thermodynamics, adsorption kinetics, and equilibrium data.

The model will help the team optimize each process and adsorbent for performance and cost, validate key parameters, and ultimately select the most promising adsorbent and process configuration for future pilot testing.

– It’s not just about the best material; it’s also about finding the right process design. We’re doing a lot of simulation work to forecast CAPEX and OPEX, and we’re collecting and feeding experimental data to refine our models, Dr Shreenath Krishnamurthy continues.

Overcoming Data Gaps

One of the key challenges is the lack of publicly available data, especially concerning how sorbents interact with water vapor in flue gases. This has required new experiments and delayed some parts of the project. – In many cases, we don’t have the data we need from literature, so we’re measuring some properties ourselves, and also testing hypothetical ideal sorbents to understand the performance gap and identify research objectives to decrease carbon capture cost, says Dr Heng

The lack of data hasn’t stopped progress, but it has shaped the project’s direction. By exploring both existing and hypothetical materials, the team can map out what an ideal system would look like, and what would need to improve in current technologies to get there.

Broader Implications

Although this project focuses on post-combustion capture from natural gas combined cycle (NGCC) plants, its outcomes could influence other CO₂ capture applications, including direct air capture.

The collaboration has already sparked two additional joint projects between SINTEF and TotalEnergies, focusing on carbon capture. The projects coordinated by SINTEF are funded by the clean energy transition partnership (CETP) and TotalEnergies plays an active role in the project.

One technical objective which stands out is minimizing the physical footprint of future carbon capture units. If adsorption technology can achieve both cost and space efficiency, it could make retrofitting existing plants, especially in space-constrained brownfield sites, much more feasible. – In greenfield cases, we have more flexibility. In brownfield projects, integration is very complex. This is why we need compact, efficient solutions, says Dr Heng at TotalEnergies.

Looking Ahead

The project aims to reach Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 4 within four years. By the end, partners will conduct a thorough comparison between the newly developed adsorption technology, and current solvent-based systems. This will form the basis for a “go/no-go” decision regarding future development.If successful, the project could pave the way for design of a pilot unit, taking a major step toward commercial implementation.

Discussions centred on key advancements in carbon capture, utilization, and storage, as well as the role of innovation and international collaboration in scaling these technologies.

Since 2005

Since its inception in 2005, CLIMIT has been instrumental in developing Norwegian and international solutions for CO₂ management. The program, a collaboration between Gassnova and the Research Council of Norway, has supported more than 800 projects focusing on research, development, and the demonstration of CCS technologies. With a strong emphasis on knowledge-sharing, this year’s summit continued to serve as a platform for industry leaders and policymakers to exchange insights on advancing carbon management solutions.

Update on Longship

During the first sessions, representatives from Northern Lights, Brevik CCS, and Hafslund Celsio provided updates on Norway’s ongoing CCS projects. Northern Lights has reached full operational capacity, including CO₂ transport ships and a dedicated storage terminal, paving the way for commercial-scale carbon storage. Brevik CCS is nearing completion, preparing to capture emissions from cement production, while Hafslund Celsio has secured its final investment decision for its waste-to-energy CCS plant in Oslo, scheduled to be operational by 2029. These projects exemplify Norway’s leadership in demonstrating how CCS can reduce industrial emissions while fostering economic growth.

The Longship project remains central to this effort, serving as a blueprint for global CCS deployment by proving the feasibility of large-scale carbon management.

Europe’s climate strategy

A major highlight of the summit was the European Commission’s perspective on CCS as a cornerstone of Europe’s climate strategy. Rosalinde van der Vlies introduced the EU’s “Competitiveness Compass,” a roadmap aimed at securing economic growth while achieving climate neutrality. She emphasized the need for robust investments in CCS infrastructure to meet the EU’s target of storing 50 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, by 2030. The role of CCS in industrial decarbonization and clean tech competitiveness was a key takeaway, with the Commission reaffirming its commitment to supporting the development and deployment of these technologies through policy frameworks and funding initiatives.

UK and USA

Charlotte Powell from the UK Department for Energy Security and Net Zero highlighted Britain’s substantial investment in CCS, amounting to £21.7 billion over 25 years. The UK government is focusing on the development of regional CCS clusters, particularly the East Coast Cluster, set to begin construction in 2025. Powell underscored the strategic importance of leveraging the North Sea’s storage potential and strengthening collaborations with Norway. The UK’s investment in CCS reflects a broader global trend of integrating carbon capture into national net-zero strategies.

The U.S. Department of Energy’s Mark Ackiewicz provided insights into America’s accelerating carbon management efforts. With 19 operational facilities and over 200 CCS projects in development, the U.S. is rapidly expanding its carbon capture, transport, and storage capabilities. Ackiewicz highlighted the importance of international partnerships, particularly with Norway, in advancing CCS technology. He also emphasized the role of U.S. national laboratories in driving innovation in hydrogen production, CO₂ removal, and industrial decarbonization, reinforcing the importance of research and development in achieving long-term climate goals.

Strategic priorities

The discussions also looked ahead to the future of CCS, with Trond Moengen, Chair of Gassnova, and Eva Falleth from the Research Council of Norway, outlining strategic priorities leading up to 2030. Moengen underscored 2025 as a pivotal year for CCS, as the Longship project reaches full operational capacity, demonstrating an integrated CO₂ value chain. He emphasized the importance of continuous research, operational improvements, and cost reduction strategies to make CCS more economically viable. Falleth echoed this sentiment, stressing the crucial role of industry-academia collaboration in driving innovation. The seamless cooperation between Gassnova and the Research Council of Norway was highlighted as a key factor in Norway’s CCS advancements, ensuring that CLIMIT remains a cornerstone of future research and development initiatives.

AI and Carbon Management

The final day of the summit brought attention to the role of Artificial Intelligence in accelerating CCS deployment. Julio Friedmann emphasized how AI can optimize key aspects of carbon management, including CO₂ transportation, storage site selection, and permitting processes.

AI-driven solutions have the potential to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and streamline regulatory compliance. Friedmann highlighted AI’s potential in material discovery, digital twinning for retrofitting existing facilities, and enhancing decision-making for CO₂ storage sites. However, he stressed the need for better data access and cross-sector collaboration to fully harness AI’s capabilities in the energy sector.

Juho Lipponen from Mission Innovation called for a rapid scale-up of carbon management technologies to gigaton levels by 2030. He underscored the role of international initiatives like the Clean Energy Ministerial (CEM) and Mission Innovation (MI) in fostering global cooperation, policy development, and investment in CCUS and carbon dioxide removal (CDR). Lipponen emphasized the need for stronger partnerships between governments, industries, and research institutions to accelerate the deployment of scalable carbon management solutions. The importance of data sharing and financing mechanisms was highlighted as critical enablers for achieving commercial viability in CCS projects.

CCS Status Worldwide

Jarad Daniels from the Global CCS Institute provided an overview of the current state of CCS deployment worldwide. With 50 operational projects capturing approximately 50 million tonnes of CO₂ annually and an additional 44 projects under construction, CCS is expanding at an unprecedented rate. Daniels highlighted the need for continued policy support, financial incentives, and strategic industry collaborations to ensure CCS scales in line with global climate targets. The Global CCS Institute remains committed to providing expertise and data to accelerate the adoption of carbon management technologies across diverse sectors and regions.

CLIMIT´s crucial role ahead

As the summit concluded, the overarching message was clear; CCS is a critical tool in the fight against climate change, and Norway remains at the forefront of this technological revolution. The CLIMIT program has played a crucial role in bridging the gap between research and industrial applications, positioning Norway as a global leader in CO₂ management. As Longship transitions into full-scale operation and CCS technology continues to evolve, the insights gained from this year’s summit will shape the next phase of carbon management, ensuring that CCS remains a viable and scalable solution for reducing global emissions.

The next CLIMIT Summit will be held in 2027.

At the 2023 CLIMIT Summit, the CLIMIT Award was presented for the first time. This year, the award celebrates three winners who have been instrumental in the launch of Longship, each making invaluable contributions to Norway’s ambition of establishing a full-scale CCS value chain. These pioneers – Oscar Graff, Per Brevik, and Philip Ringrose – exemplify innovation, perseverance, and leadership in the field.

Oscar Graff: A Trailblazer in CO₂ Capture

For nearly three decades, Oscar Graff has been at the forefront of CO₂ capture technology, playing a critical role in its development from laboratory research to full-scale industrial applications. His journey in CCS began in 1997, a time when carbon capture was still in its infancy and faced significant scepticism. However, Graff’s unwavering determination and visionary leadership have propelled the field forward, overcoming obstacles and transforming challenges into opportunities.

A defining aspect of Graff’s career has been his ability to bridge the gap between research and industrial deployment. Under his leadership, CO₂ capture technology advanced through a step-by-step process: from early-stage laboratory testing to pilot demonstrations at Tiller, and ultimately, large-scale implementation at the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) – world’s most advanced CO₂ capture testing facility. His dedication ensured that the technology not only met scientific validation but also gained commercial viability.

One of Graff’s remarkable achievements was leading the development of a mobile CO₂ capture unit, housed in a container, which travelled the world to demonstrate the feasibility of CCS in diverse industrial settings. This pioneering approach significantly contributed to the global recognition of Norwegian CO₂ capture expertise. As a senior leader at Aker, later integrated into SLB Capturi, Graff played a crucial role in ensuring CO₂ capture technology transitioned, from experimental projects to market-ready solutions. His relentless advocacy and technical expertise have made a lasting impact, paving the way for CCS adoption worldwide.

Per Brevik: A CCS Driving Force in the Cement Industry

A true champion of large-scale CCS implementation, Per Brevik has been instrumental in bringing CO₂ capture to one of the most challenging sectors: cement production. His vision and persistence have played a decisive role in the realization of Norway’s first full-scale industrial CCS project, at Heidelberg Materials’ Brevik cement plant.

Brevik’s influence within the CLIMIT program dates back to 2012, when he was a key figure in securing the largest single funding allocation ever granted by the program’s steering committee. Recognizing the strategic importance of CCS in the cement industry, he worked tirelessly to turn the vision of carbon capture at Brevik into reality. His ability to rally industry stakeholders, secure financial backing, and navigate regulatory complexities was essential to the project’s success.

As Director of Sustainability at Heidelberg Materials, Brevik faced the challenge of convincing an international corporation – initially hesitant about CCS – to embrace the technology as a key climate solution. Through relentless advocacy and strategic leadership, he succeeded in positioning CCS as an integral part of the company’s sustainability roadmap. His efforts have set a global precedent, demonstrating that large-scale CO₂ capture in cement production is not only feasible, but also commercially viable.

The cement plant in Brevik is now a cornerstone of the Longship project, marking a historic milestone in Norway’s CCS journey. By proving that carbon capture can be integrated into hard-to-abate industries, Brevik has laid the foundation for future projects worldwide.

Philip Ringrose: A Global Authority on CO₂ Storage

In the field of CO₂ storage, few individuals have had as profound an impact as Dr. Philip Ringrose. A leading geoscientist and internationally recognized expert in reservoir modelling, Ringrose has dedicated his career to ensuring the safe and effective long-term storage of captured CO₂. His work has been instrumental in bridging scientific research and practical applications, providing the foundation for large-scale CCS deployment.

Throughout his career, Ringrose has contributed groundbreaking research on geological storage capacity, site selection, and monitoring techniques. His expertise has played a crucial role in shaping best practices for CO₂ storage, ensuring captured emissions are safely and permanently sequestered underground. As a professor and industry advisor, he has mentored the next generation of CCS professionals, fostering a collaborative global network dedicated to advancing CO₂ storage science.

Beyond his technical contributions, Ringrose is admired for his leadership, mentorship, and advocacy. His ability to communicate complex scientific concepts to diverse audiences – from policymakers to industry executives – has been invaluable in securing broad-based support for CCS initiatives. His contributions extend beyond Norway, influencing international CCS standards and collaborations. Ringrose’s work has not only advanced scientific understanding but has also played a crucial role in ensuring that CCS remains a key pillar in global climate strategies.

Congratulations to Oscar Graff, Per Brevik and Philip Ringrose!

To achieve climate neutrality, it is not enough to stop all emissions CO₂ must also be removed from the atmosphere (carbon removal), according to the IPCC. The CLIMIT programme will now help to realise this through value creation in Norway. Do you have an idea for a project? Get in touch with us!

Growing demand for Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) by 2050

Interest in Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) is increasing, and CLIMIT has allocated funding for such projects in 2025. The CLIMIT programme will process applications on a rolling basis, and all applicants must follow CLIMIT’s standard procedure, which can be found here.

Examples of technological solutions within CDR:

• DACCS – Direct Air Capture (DAC) with Geological Storage
• BioCCS – capture and geological storage of CO₂ from industries using biological feedstocks/fuels
• Biochar – for industrial and agricultural use with long-term soil storage (as a soil amendment).
• Mineralisation (formation of carbonates for durable storage)

BioCCS: The most mature solution

BioCCS is currently the most mature solution with the greatest potential in terms of tonnes of CO₂ stored per year. The industry views bioCCS as an enabler for CCS, as capturing and storaging biogenic CO₂ emissions can facilitate sale of carbon credits, strengthening business models.

In Norway, CDR activities primarily focus on bioCCS and biochar. Additionally, Norwegian companies like Removr, Climeworks Norway and Carbon Removal have received support from Enova for studies on direct air capture (DAC).

Purpose of CDR funding in CLIMIT Demo

There is an increasing need for CDR expertise in industry and research. It is important that CDR solutions (technologies, methods, value chains) are tested and evaluated well before 2050, when these solutions will play a larger role in keeping the temperature increase below the 2-degree target (ref. IPCC).

Norwegian funding instruments, including Enova, the Research Council, Innovation Norway and Gassnova, currently support CCS. However, there is up to now not a specific focus on CDR.

Open call now in 2025

The CLIMIT programme will be able to support industrial projects and research projects in collaboration with industry in the following themes

• BioCCS
• Biochar/biochar with a focus on long-term storage for industrial and possibly agricultural use
• DAC with CCS
• Enhanced Mineralization by injecting CO₂ into the bedrock
• Development and evaluation of methodologies in line with EU regulations – to clarify whether a project contributes to carbon removal, such as LCA (Life Cycle Analysis), TEA (Techno-Economic Analysis) and MRV (Measurement/Monitoring-Reporting-Verification).

Applicants are encouraged to explore the possibility of establishing Nordic or international collaborations with industry and/or recognised research institutions.

For two decades, the CLIMIT program has been instrumental in developing Norwegian and international solutions for CO₂ management. The program is a collaboration between Gassnova and the Research Council of Norway.

Development, Testing, and Commercialization

Since 2005, CLIMIT has contributed to the development, testing, and commercialization of CO₂ management technologies. CLIMIT Summit 2025 will be a key milestone in this journey, providing a platform to discuss the road ahead. With a strong technical program and site visits to various facilities, the conference offers a unique opportunity to network and exchange knowledge across disciplines and borders.

Dedicated Conference on CDR and Site Visits

This year, CLIMIT Summit includes a dedicated conference on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) in collaboration with Mission Innovationn CDR. There will also be site visits to Longship project stakeholders and the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM), the world’s largest and most flexible test center for CO₂ capture technology verification.

A Platform for Knowledge Sharing

Since its inception in 2010, CLIMIT Summit has grown to attract nearly 350 participants from around the world.

20 Years of Technology Development

Since its launch in 2005, CLIMIT has played a central role in the development of CO₂ management technologies. The program has supported more than 800 projects focused on research, development, and demonstration of carbon capture and storage (CCS), many of which have led to concrete industrial solutions.

CLIMIT and the CO₂ Value Chain

CLIMIT has closely collaborated with research institutions, as well as industry partners. The strong link between research and industry has positioned Norway as a global leader in CO₂ management. CLIMIT also plays a key role in developing business models for CCS and facilitates cooperation across industrial sectors.

A prime example is Longship, where past CLIMIT-supported projects have been groundbreaking in realizing Norway’s first large-scale CCS project. Longship is also Norway’s largest industrial climate initiative.

As Longship moves into operational phases, valuable insights will be gained, contributing to further cost reductions and technological improvements for future CCS projects.