The demand for accurate and scalable mass flow measurement, like from Cignus Instruments, in CCS projects is significant, as current technology does not fully meet the industry’s specific requirements. Traditional Coriolis meters face challenges when scaled up to larger dimensions and when operating under high pressure. Additionally, Coriolis technology can result in significant internal pressure drops, which can cause issues when measuring liquids near their boiling point, thereby increasing measurement uncertainty.

The project is supported by CLIMIT with NOK 1.7 million. Founder and CEO Martin Nese is the project manager at Cignus Instruments AS.

Objective

Aim of the project is to demonstrate the advantages of Cignus technology in large-scale CCS facilities. The technology offers a more accurate and simpler method for mass-flow metering of CO₂. – We conducted a test campaign at Equinor’s P-Lab at Herøya, Porsgrunn. Here we observed that the pressure drop through the Cignus meter was limited to about one-tenth of that through a straight-tube Coriolis meter, with the same capacity, says Martin Nese.

– Low, permanent pressure drop is particularly important for reducing the risk of boiling – and thus minimizing measurement uncertainty when measuring CO₂ in liquid phase. Lower pressure drop means lower energy consumption, highlighting the potential for Cignus technology in large-scale applications.

Project Deliverables

The prototype demonstrated the functionality and accuracy of the Cignus Mass-flow meter for CO₂ in gas, liquid, and supercritical phases under relevant industrial conditions. The test campaign at Equinor’s P-Lab was initially scheduled for Q1 2023, but was postponed to October of the same year. This delay provided more time to characterize and conduct various tests on the CO₂ prototype.

The prototype has now been tested with the correct medium in an installation that closely resembles a real process plant, demonstrating that the instrument performs as expected, even when the load varies over a wide range. When measuring mass flow and fluid density, the Cignus meter’s accuracy is comparable to Coriolis meters installed in series.

Scaling Up

The next step in development is building and qualifying a full-size CO₂ meter, with a capacity of 1,000 tons/hour and a design pressure of 300 bar for installation in a large-scale CCS pilot plant by 2026. – We plan to test the technology in a full-scale installation as early as possible to gather as much field experience as possible under continuous operation. At the same time, we will establish a supply chain and capacity to produce the final product for large-scale CCS applications starting in 2026, explains Martin Nese. This will be a significant step forward, not just for Cignus but for the entire CCS industry. By providing a more accurate and reliable method for measuring CO₂, particularly in large pipelines and under challenging operating conditions, the technology has the potential to become an industry standard.

Well-Positioned

– Cignus Instruments is well-positioned to lead the development of the next generation of Mass-flow meters, with special focus on the CCS industry. We also see great potential in implementing such meters subsea, where it is crucial to know the exact amount of CO₂ distributed to each well. All of this points to an exciting future for Cignus Instruments and their contribution to global CO₂ reduction, says Ernst Petter Axelsen, Gassnova’s representative in the CLIMIT program and advisor to the Cignus project.

Future Prospects

– We plan to produce the meters in collaboration with suppliers in the Stavanger area, who have experience from the oil and gas industry. In the long term, we also see potential for collaboration with DNV, which is establishing a commercial calibration lab for CO₂ meters in the Netherlands. This will give us the opportunity to offer large-scale calibration services, which is essential for gaining the necessary trust in the industry, Martin continues.

Martin also discusses opportunities to expand the business model. – We are considering offering data collection services as part of our business model, rather than just delivering the instruments themselves. This is something we will explore further when we have a fully qualified product. We believe that access to real-time data and the ability to perform health checks on the instruments during operation, could be valuable services for our customers.

Regarding international cooperation, Martin explains that they are collaborating with several entities, both in Norway and internationally. – Norway is a leader in CO₂ storage technology, and there is an expectation that insights from Norwegian CCS projects will be shared internationally, especially in Europe. Therefore, Cignus Instruments is looking at opportunities to expand internationally, leveraging several upcoming reference projects.

This technology has the potential to enhance both the safety and the economics of CO₂ storage. The project is supported by CLIMIT with just under NOK 4.8 million. Jan Ove Nesvik, CEO of qWave, is responsible for the project.

Safety and Economics

Effective and safe CO₂ storage requires a solid understanding of the horizontal stresses in the caprock, which serves as a sealing element to prevent leakage from storage reservoirs. Caprock is a critical component in these projects, preventing CO₂ from migrating out of the storage areas. To assess how much CO₂ can be injected, it’s crucial to understand the stresses affecting the rocks. A better understanding of the caprock’s properties can help increase CO₂ injection volumes per well. By minimizing the risk of leakage, this will reduce storage costs and improve safety.

Current methods for measuring horizontal stresses, such as the Leak-Off Test (LOT) and the use of straddle packers, have several limitations. These methods can produce unreliable results, requiring repeated measurements to ensure accurate data. This becomes especially challenging in deepwater environments, where costs escalate rapidly. The existing solutions are also limited to certain depths and may be inadequate as stress levels in the rock formation can vary with depth. Thus, it is challenging to provide an accurate assessment of storage properties, making projects both costly and complex.

Inspired by Medical Science

qWave has drawn inspiration from medical technology, particularly Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL), which is used to break kidney stones using acoustic shockwaves without surgical intervention. By transferring the principles from ESWL to well technology, qWave has developed a method using focused shockwaves to create a weak point in the rock formation, enabling more precise measurement of horizontal stresses necessary to assess CO₂ storage capacity. The technology includes a shockwave generator with a capacity of up to 30,000 volts. By focusing the shockwaves, qWave is able to create a perforation several centimetres deep in the borehole wall. A custom pump and equipment are used to fracture the formation where the perforation is made, and then gradually close it again until the minimum horizontal stress is measured. This allows qWave to perform better measurements in less time.

The technology has already shown promising results. The prototype has been successfully tested. The shockwave technology was developed in collaboration with Harald Eizenhöfer, former Research Director at Dornier MedTech Systems GmbH, and Hartlauer Präzisions Elektronik GmbH. The first demonstration of the prototype took place in September 2023 at NORCE/Ullrigg in Stavanger, where the tool proved to be both robust and functional under realistic well conditions. A second demonstration in November 2023 confirmed this impression.

Industry Partnership

qWave has established a Joint Industry Project with industry partners including Equinor, Vår Energi, DNO, and OMV. These companies contribute expertise and funding, while also defining technology needs and development goals. The partners see potential in qWave’s technology – not only to improve safety and cost-efficiency in CO₂ storage projects, but also for applications in oil and gas drilling.

The next major milestone for qWave and its industry partners is to demonstrate the technology in an offshore well. This is an important step toward commercializing the technology. A successful offshore demonstration will also help build confidence in the technology and open up further market opportunities – both in Norway and internationally. Several more tests and demonstrations are being considered before the technology is demonstrated offshore.

– CLIMIT’s contribution has been crucial for our project. The support for demonstrating the technology has contributed to the development of an advanced prototype, and enabled extensive testing at NORCE’s test center in Stavanger. Such tests are costly but essential, to show that the technology being developed and tested in qLab also operates as expected under well-like conditions. Most importantly, we are learning and acquiring knowledge we didn’t have before, says Jan Ove Nesvik of qWave.

– With a strong commitment to innovation, collaboration, and a focus on meeting industry standards, qWave is positioned to make a significant difference. The further development and commercialization of this technology will be an important step forward for sustainable and safe CO₂ storage solutions. Focus on innovation and partnerships could set new standards in the industry, says Kirsten Haaberg, Gassnova’s representative in CLIMIT and advisor to the project.

The Road Ahead

The plan is to develop a commercial 2.0 version of the tool, which will offer even better solutions for measuring horizontal stresses in wells. This could become the standard for both CO₂ storage projects and oil and gas drilling. Goal is to improve safety and efficiency, representing a significant advancement in geomechanically analysis.

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.

The Microalgae project is supported by CLIMIT with NOK 286,000, and led by Fredrik Mood from the company Mood Harvest.

The project involves a team of researchers and engineers working to develop and validate a photobioreactor specifically designed for the Nordic climate. This technology is intended to optimize the cultivation of microalgae, while contributing to the reduction of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere and producing climate-friendly raw materials and products.

Background and Objectives

The project’s primary goal is twofold. Firstly, the project team aims to clarify the potential of the business concept behind the photobioreactor. This will provide a solid foundation for making strategic decisions that can promote further development of the technology. Secondly, the project seeks to validate CO₂ storage potential of microalgae, which could have significant implications for future climate efforts. The work is conducted in close collaboration with academic institutions to ensure that the technology is both scientifically grounded, and practically applicable in an industrial context.

– The photobioreactor is central to the project and is currently under patenting. The reactor is specifically adapted to the challenging light and temperature conditions characteristic of the Nordic climate, with significant variations throughout the year. By utilizing locally captured CO₂ and artificial light to facilitate photosynthesis, the reactor enables industrial-scale cultivation of large quantities of microalgae, says Fredrik Mood.

Microalgae can either be used directly in various products or processed into raw materials, for the production of climate-positive or climate-neutral products. By integrating microalgae into production processes, the project can directly contribute to reducing the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere.

Technological Innovation and Circular Economy

The business concept behind the photobioreactor is rooted in the principles of the circular economy. This involves maximizing resource utilization and minimizing waste. The project envisions several potential revenue streams, including income from the reception and utilization of CO₂, as well as the sale of raw materials and climate-neutral products. These products could range from biofuels and building materials to dietary supplements, cosmetics, and animal feed. By using CO₂ as a resource rather than treating it as waste, the project helps to develop a more sustainable economy.

The photobioreactor under development stands out from existing technologies in several ways. It is designed to be industrially scalable, and requires less space than current solutions for microalgae cultivation, making it possible to grow microalgae on a large scale – even under challenging climatic conditions. The reactor is equipped with an innovative system for light and nutrient supply, along with other features which contribute to the optimal cultivation of microalgae.

One of the unique characteristics of the photobioreactor is its ability to continuously harvest microalgae. This reduces the need to shut down the reactor during harvesting, making production more efficient and potentially lowering the cost per kilogram of microalgae produced. The technology provides better control over environmental conditions inside the reactor, which is crucial for ensuring stable growth and high productivity. By integrating this technology into industry, a solution can be achieved that both reduces the carbon footprint, and increases the availability of climate-friendly raw materials.

Target Audience and Market Demand

The technology primarily targets small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that are focused on reducing their carbon footprint and actively participating in the green transition. These businesses may have varying needs related to CO₂ management. Some may seek to reduce their CO₂ emissions through carbon capture, while others may see value in purchasing climate-neutral raw materials or products. For these companies, the photobioreactor could offer a solution that both reduces their carbon footprint, and enhances their competitiveness by ensuring access to locally sourced, climate-neutral raw materials.

The demand for climate-neutral raw materials is increasing, driven by stricter regulatory requirements and growing consumer demand for sustainability. The project highlights that access to locally produced climate-neutral raw materials will become an increasingly important factor in the coming years. The photobioreactor technology could play a central role in meeting this demand, by offering a scalable and sustainable solution for the production of such raw materials.

Challenges and Future Opportunities

– Although the project has significant ambitions, it also faces considerable challenges. Costs associated with the production and processing of microalgae have so far been a major barrier to commercial exploitation. To succeed, the project team must find ways to reduce these costs. The risk of contamination and challenges related to scaling up are also factors that need to be addressed to ensure success, says senior advisor Ernst Petter Axelsen of Gassnova.

The project team is aware of the importance of collaborating with other stakeholders, both in industry and academia, to overcome these challenges. A key part of the project’s future plan is to build a small-scale lab pilot in collaboration with research institutes such as NIBIO and SINTEF. This will provide opportunity to test and validate the photobioreactor technology under controlled conditions, and collect data as a basis for further scaling and commercialization. Accurate data collection through the pilot project is essential to validate estimates and improve the technology.

In addition, the project team sees many opportunities for future growth. Increasing demand for sustainable products, combined with technological advancements in biotechnology, provides grounds for optimism. Political support in the form of subsidies and regulations that promote renewable energy and carbon reduction, may also help create favourable market conditions for microalgae-based solutions. The project is also considering the possibility of using microalgae as an additive in concrete, which could reduce the need for cement and thus lower CO₂ emissions from the construction sector.

The Way Forward

The project has already made significant progress, and initial studies confirm that microalgae cultivation can be an effective method for CO₂ utilization and storage. However, further testing and development are necessary to fully achieve the original goals.

In the upcoming phase of the project, the aim is to demonstrate how the photobioreactor functions, with the goal of gathering better data and establishing a solid decision-making basis. This includes building a small-scale pilot/lab pilot and conducting experiments in collaboration with research institutions to validate the technology, in conjunction with various microalgae strains.

In parallel, the project will also explore opportunities to develop profitable carbon capture facilities tailored to small and medium-sized businesses in Norway. This includes feasibility studies for CO₂ logistics for inland industries, which could form the basis for further development of full-scale demonstrators. In the long term, the goal is to build a full-scale demonstrator in collaboration with industrial stakeholders, which could contribute to realizing the technology on a large scale.

The project also plans to expand collaboration with academia and industry to develop new sustainable products from microalgae, with a particular focus on long-term CO₂ storage and carbon reuse. With ambitious plans, the project points to a future where microalgae could play a key role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and contributing to a more sustainable economy.

The goal of avoiding commitment to a specific technology or supplier for capturing and storing CO₂, is to reduce commercial risk by allowing multiple suppliers to compete, as the project approaches the investment decision stage. This strategy keeps the options open for the best available solution when the time comes for implementation. It also grants the organization control over the concept’s development and contributes to internal capacity building, which is crucial both during project maturation, and when the plant is handed over to operations personnel.

The Tromsø project is supported by CLIMIT with a grant of NOK 3.5 million. Charlotte Tiller is project manager.

Why Carbon Capture?

Carbon capture technology is particularly important for facilities that incinerate waste, where large amounts of CO₂ would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. Kvitebjørn Varme burns 60,000 tonnes of residual waste annually, a figure that will soon increase to 110,000 tonnes when a new incineration line is completed in 2025.

Since 2022, Kvitebjørn Varme has been working on a plan to capture CO₂ from flue gases generated during waste incineration. Project Ashlad aims to have a fully operational carbon capture facility by 2030.

How Did It All Begin?

– The project had already completed an idea study when I took over as project manager in 2023, says Charlotte. – I started by building an understanding of how carbon capture works and read a report from TCM, about various chemicals commonly found in flue gases that can damage the carbon capture process. I recognized many of these substances from my time working with emissions monitoring at Kvitebjørn Varme. We know that the presence of most substances which could harm carbon capture is generally low, but during operational disturbances or faults in the cleaning system, their levels can occasionally exceed what a carbon capture plant can tolerate, she continues.

Unlike most industries implementing carbon capture, flue gas from waste incineration is inherently more heterogeneous due to the varied nature of the fuel. Operational experience with carbon capture in the waste incineration sector is still limited. – There is only one waste incineration plant that has operated a carbon capture facility for several years. The heterogeneity also applies to CO₂ concentration, temperature, and flue gas volume, which are critical for design. I became curious about how to design a carbon capture facility considering these variations, but found little knowledge on this in literature searches, says the project manager.

A good environmental initiative locally

– It is important for us that Ashlad not only becomes a positive climate measure globally, but also a good environmental initiative locally. I read up early on how carbon capture can affect the local environment and became aware that factors like solar radiation, local hydrology, and bioactivity can influence the surroundings’ response. Since the Arctic is typically characterized by significant seasonal variation in these factors, we decided to conduct an assessment earlier than usual in such project processes. This gives us ample time to implement the right measures for our surroundings. The facility will be designed with the environment as a guiding principle from the outset.

In Tromsø, no steam is produced from the plant, complicating energy integration at KVAS compared to the norm. However, there is year-round access to cold seawater, allowing for a more efficient cooling solution for the CO₂ capture facility. Access to the sea also enables the establishment of a dedicated quay for CO₂ export, which could be a significant advantage for the efficient transport of CO₂ to permanent storage locations.

Internal Support

To tackle the challenges, Kvitebjørn Varme has also collaborated with other incineration plants in Norway, and engaged in dialogue with similar facilities abroad. – We are in discussions with technology suppliers to understand how they approach the issues in the project. Many assume standard methods will work, but we want to delve deeper to ensure we have all the necessary information before making significant investments, says Charlotte.

Unknown Variables

Charlotte highlights many aspects of carbon capture at waste incineration facilities that lack clear guidelines, especially regarding emissions regulations and flue gas quality over time.
– We have had to investigate whether it is sufficient to rely on average values over time, or if we need more detailed measurements to ensure that the capture process operates optimally. This has proven challenging, as it is difficult to find satisfactory answers both nationally and internationally, and it will likely be somewhat plant specific. To address the uncertainty, we must remain mindful of this as we further develop the project. This will be a central part of the strategy going forward.

International Collaboration

To tackle the challenges, Kvitebjørn Varme has also collaborated with other incineration plants in Norway, and engaged in dialogue with similar facilities abroad. – We are in discussions with technology suppliers to understand how they approach the issues in the project. Many assume standard methods will work, but we want to delve deeper to ensure we have all the necessary information before making significant investments, says Charlotte.

The Road Ahead

The project is currently in the pre-feasibility phase, which began in February this year with the allocation of CLIMIT support. In Q1 2025, the project will transition to the feasibility phase, where the goal is to select a technology. This will be followed by the planning phase, which aims to establish a comprehensive basis for an investment decision in 2027. – Our goal is to have carbon capture in operation by 2030. It is an ambitious timeline, but we are working diligently, says Charlotte.

Kvitebjørn Varme is considering collaboration with other projects, and is exploring transport solutions for delivering CO₂ to various storage locations, both individual and collective.
– Locally, we aim to reduce emissions and establish a more sustainable energy solution for Tromsø, while creating new jobs in the process. So far, we have benefited greatly from sparring with others in the industry, and hope that our openness about our experiences from the feasibility study can contribute back, allowing us to continue to mature together. The project is considering the possibility of applying for additional funding to continue knowledge development, says project manager Charlotte Tiller.

Senior Advisor Ernst Petter Axelsen at Gassnova is CLIMIT’s responsible for the Kvitebjørn Varme project, and also serves as their advisor. – Establishing a carbon capture facility of this scale, with a new and exciting technological angle, is a significant investment for the company. Many factors come into play when assessing costs. Therefore, having sufficient resources and the right expertise to manage all aspects of development is crucial. Moreover, knowledge exchange with the industry is vital, and something Kvitebjørn Varme emphasizes. As a regulatory actor, this is something we particularly note, says Axelsen at Gassnova.

Conducted by SINTEF from 2020-2024, the project received 14.7 million NOK in funding from the Research Council of Norway.

CleanExport. Illustration: SINTEF

Background

was developed in the wake of the Paris Agreement and the increasing need for decarbonization of the European energy system. The project examined how Norwegian clean energy exports would evolve in response to reduced demand for fossil fuels in Europe. The main goal was to provide strategic guidance and investment support to strengthen Norway’s position as a future supplier in this area.

During the course of the project, two unforeseen events occurred: the COVID-19 pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Both significantly altered the European energy system, leading to large fluctuations in energy demand, supply, and prices. Additionally, new legislation was introduced in the EU through revisions of the Renewable Energy Directive, the European Green Deal, and REPowerEU.

Significant Impact

The project’s focus on optimization models for energy systems provides both industry and research partners with an overview of existing models and their benefits, a new version of a sector-coupled European electricity model (EMPIRE), and a new flexible energy system modelling framework (EMX). This framework can be adapted to specific needs in individual analyses and is openly available on GitHub.

Advantage of EMX lies in giving users a high degree of flexibility in designing a specific model instance. Examples include which cost descriptions are used for a technology in each region, how efficiency is modelled, or which technologies are available in the individual regions.

– Studies in the project provided both industry partners and policymakers with knowledge on how Norway can remain an energy export nation in the future. It is crucial to understand how Norwegian energy export infrastructure is affected by external circumstances. This provides new insights into the various energy export options, says Aage Stangeland from CLIMIT R&D/the Research Council of Norway.

New Insights

A key focus of the project was developing an optimization framework for energy system models. Future energy system scenarios were simulated, providing the following insights:

• Norway can maintain and further develop its role as an energy export nation in a decarbonized European energy system.

• Investments in renewable power production are crucial for the future export of clean energy, regardless of whether the energy is exported as hydrogen, ammonia, or electricity.

• Prospects for future Norwegian hydrogen exports indicate hydrogen production from natural gas reforming with CCS in the initial phase. With the potential for hydrogen from electrolysis later. The initial dominance of natural gas is due to the lack of available power in the coming years.

• Development of EnergyModelsX (EMX) – a modular, multi-energy modelling framework. Significant improvements to the existing power system model EMPIRE.

The CleanExport project also had secondary goals:

• Integration and harmonization of tools for energy system expansion planning to enable technical-economic quantitative analysis.

• Study of complementarity and synergies between renewable sources, natural gas, hydrogen, ammonia, and CCS within an energy system context.

• Establishment of high-quality data and defining the most relevant case studies.

• Study of how large-scale Norwegian hydrogen production for energy export can trigger a domestic hydrogen market.

• Education of a PhD student and a postdoctoral fellow on topics related to mathematical optimization models for integrated natural gas and power markets, and operational flexibility for low-carbon energy systems.

Dissemination

The CleanExport project has resulted in several published articles and drafts for new ones. During the project period, results were presented to industry partners at semi-annual seminars. Additionally, CleanExport results were presented at several conferences and used as a basis for op-eds.

– An important legacy of the CleanExport project is related to the EMX modelling framework and modifications to the EMPIRE model. EMX was presented through JuliaCon 2023 and two open webinars. This is applied in several subsequent EU projects, NFR projects, and FME InterPlay. Furthermore, SINTEF is in contact with several industry partners to facilitate the integration of EMX in their organizations, says project leader Julian Straus at SINTEF.

CleanExport organized a seminar titled “Clean Energy Export from Norway” in Oslo, attended by 35 participants from research, industry, and NGOs. The seminar conveyed knowledge from the project far beyond the project group and participating partners. Results from the CleanExport project are also combined with results from several other FME projects, all led by SINTEF.

CO₂LOS IV is a collaboration between the main partners Brevik Engineering AS and SINTEF AS, with a budget of 10.5 million NOK. CLIMIT contributes 37 percent of the funding. Brevik Engineering serves as the project owner and manager, working closely with SINTEF and other partners to execute the project.

Copyright: Brevik Engineering

Building on Previous Phases

The project builds on experiences and results from previous phases, CO₂LOS II and III. These phases focused on developing various tools to reduce CO₂ transport costs and exploring aspects such as liquefaction, interim storage, and terminals. CO₂LOS IV utilizes this knowledge to test realistic scenarios in both Europe and Asia. The project examines CO₂ transport between ports, and from inland areas to ports and then to storage sites.

– The CO₂LOS projects began in 2018 as a collaboration between Brevik Engineering and SINTEF, with funding from CLIMIT. We enlisted major partners such as Equinor, TotalEnergies and Gassco. As the project progressed, interest grew, and significant players like Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, Mitsubishi Cooperation, BP, Mitsui OSK, IMODCO/ SBM and Exxon Mobil joined, says Ragnhild Skagestad of SINTEF AS, project manager for the CO₂LOS projects.

CO₂LOS Cost Tool

The “CO₂LOSs Cost Tool” was developed to estimate costs across the entire logistics chain. Different scenarios can be run to see how changes in volume, pressure, or transport methods affect costs for each segment, whether by pipeline or ship. The tool was developed in collaboration with project partners and is owned by Brevik Engineering and SINTEF AS.

Environmental Impact and Public Acceptance

– We analyse emissions in each part of the transport chain and estimate the impact of our changes, such as on the ship’s propulsion system. We prioritize environmentally friendly solutions. Additionally, public acceptance is a challenge. Good communication and understanding from authorities and local communities are crucial, especially in projects involving transport through sensitive areas. Being open and transparent about plans and results is part of the solution, adds Ragnhild in SINTEF.

Technical Challenges

The core challenges of CO₂LOS IV include optimizing the entire logistics chain for CO₂ transport. This encompasses everything from liquefaction and compression to interim storage and terminals. The project has explored the possibility of directly injecting CO₂ into offshore reservoirs, which, although challenging, could significantly reduce costs.

– Ship transport of CO₂ is a very flexible solution, particularly considering advances in autonomy and low-emission ships. We believe this will be a vital part of future CO₂ management solutions. Ship transport can be cost-effective and adaptable to various geographic and logistical needs, making this solution highly attractive, concludes Ragnhild Skagestad of SINTEF AS.

Key to Success

Ernst Petter Axelsen from Gassnova is CLIMIT’s representative in CO₂LOS IV. He believes the strong collaboration between the different partners is the foundation for the project’s dynamic success. – This has enabled the project to share knowledge and experiences efficiently. It has also been crucial to balance research and practical engineering work, facilitating realistic and applicable solutions. This aligns with CLIMIT’s objectives and is a key criterion for our funding decisions, says Ernst Petter from Gassnova.

CO₂LOS IV is scheduled for completion in mid-2025.

The KDC-IV project continues previous initiatives aiming to create experimental data, knowledge, and tools to establish impurity limits in CO₂ transport systems. Led by the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE) in Kjeller, the project seeks to enhance safety and reduce costs in CO₂ transport. It is supported by CLIMIT with approximately NOK 5.6 million. Industrial partners include Shell, TotalEnergies, Equinor, Gassco, Vallourec, BP, Chevron, ExxonMobil, ArcelorMittal, Air Products, ENI, Saudi Aramco, Wintershall Dea, EBN, Fluxys and Gasunie.

Water Induces Corrosion

Material selection is crucial in the overall cost of CO₂ transport systems for carbon capture and storage. Cost considerations make carbon steel the preferred material for long pipelines and ship transport. However, carbon steel corrodes in the presence of water or water-bearing phases, which can form due to impurity reactions. Therefore, controlling CO₂ composition and system operation is essential to prevent the formation of water-bearing phases.

Currently, various specifications and recommendations exist for the types and concentrations of impurities allowed in the CO₂ stream. Traditionally, these limits have been set from health, environmental, and safety perspectives, rather than based on material integrity, due to a lack of knowledge. This knowledge gap has made it challenging to define specifications that ensure safe operation and long-term material integrity.

Expertise at Kjeller

The IFE at Kjeller, near Oslo, leads this CLIMIT-funded project. – Initially focused on nuclear power research, IFE expanded its activities in the early 1980s to include other fields due to the limited role of nuclear power in Norway. Early research emphasized oil and gas, later extending to wind, solar, hydrogen, battery technology – and CO₂ capture and storage, says Gaute Svenningsen – project manager at IFE.

Activities in KDC-IV

The project involves extensive experiments with CO₂ impurities, both with and without corrosion testing. Many experiments cover conditions and impurities not previously tested, including those for ship transport (low temperature and moderate pressure) and pipeline transport of liquid CO₂ (ambient temperature and high pressure). Under these conditions, CO₂ will be either liquid or supercritical.

Previous KDC project results have been used to enhance OLI Systems’ thermodynamic model, enabling it to simulate reactions in liquid and supercritical CO₂. KDC-IV results will be compared with OLI calculations to assess the model’s accuracy. This knowledge is invaluable for operators using these tools in real projects, whether in design basis development or full-scale project operation.

– We must constantly find new methods to manage impurities. Capturing CO₂ from different sources introduces various components that must be considered. Balancing the extent of purification against permissible impurity levels is crucial. Unfavourable combinations of impurities may create undesirable reaction products in the facility, such as acid precipitates, particles, or elemental sulphur, which can be corrosive and cause significant damage, Gaute explains.

Research Findings

At IFE, four researchers focus on KDC-IV, while two others work on well and reservoir-related CO₂ injection issues. IFE manages numerous simultaneous projects and receives substantial external interest in its CO₂ transport data.

KDC-IV’s work has shown that many impurity combinations are mostly inert, while others lead to chemical reactions. Some combinations result in a separate water phase with high concentrations of sulfuric acid, nitric acid, and elemental sulphur, which is corrosive to carbon steel.

– We have excellent technicians and engineers at IFE, and a very competent workshop. We order most research equipment as components and assemble them ourselves. This approach is more efficient than ordering everything pre-assembled, Gaute adds.

Competent Environment

Ernst Petter Axelsen of Gassnova, CLIMIT’s representative for KDC-IV, notes that IFE is a world leader in this field, possibly the only entity capable of conducting such high-level experiments. The work is labour-intensive and requires expensive equipment and extensive laboratory experience. Therefore, expectations are high for IFE’s achievements leading up to the project’s conclusion in 2027, Ernst Petter says.

Future Work in KDC-IV

The KDC-IV project will study precipitation of separate acid phases in liquid CO₂ with various impurity combinations. It will investigate the composition of acid phases and examine the behaviour of such droplets in CO₂ pipelines, using a high-pressure flow loop. Experiments will also explore effects of different impurities in CO₂ transported in the gas phase (low pressure).

The KDC-IV project aims to provide comprehensive knowledge on corrosion and chemical reactions in CO₂, which is essential for setting specifications for the safe transport of CO₂ in pipelines and on ships.

A low-pressure transport system is an alternative to medium pressure and is the preferred solution for most of the projects accommodating cargo volumes larger than 20 000 m³. 

Transport Conditions 

At low-pressure conditions, the liquid CO₂ is transported at pressure and temperature closer to the triple point compared to today’s industry practice. The reduced pressure and temperature allow for larger cargo tank diameter, and also benefits from increased liquid product mass density – leading to larger cargo capacity per ship, while reducing the overall shipping cost. 

CETO Project Development 

The project “CO₂ Efficient Transport via Ocean” (CETO) managed by DNV is a partnership between Equinor Energy AS, Gassco, TotalEnergies, EP Norge AS, and Shell Global Solutions International B.V. CLIMIT supported the CETO project with over 8.2 million NOK, which is 32% of their total budget. 

Transport; Project Purpose 

– CO₂ transport by ship has been performed for several decades – but on a limited scale for businesses in the food, cleaning, and chemical industries. Currently, there is no operational experience with low-pressure ship transport of CO₂, which is therefore associated with a higher risk compared to the medium-pressure alternative. Such risks are minimized with proper design of the processes in the transport chain – says Ernst Petter Axelsen at Gassnova. 

CETO investigates the fundamental aspects of a low-pressure value chain – and aims at reducing the uncertainties related to design, construction, and operation as well as enhancing solutions for ship transport of CO₂. 

Project Phases 

The project was divided into a Planning Phase and an Execution Phase.  

The goal of the Planning Phase (Q2 to Q4 2020) was to identify novel elements, associated technical uncertainties and to establish relevant qualification activities, necessary to address these risks and the uncertainties. 

The qualification activities were carried out in the Execution Phase (Q3 2021 to Q1 2024) and encompassed: 

• Conceptual design of an onshore conditioning and liquefaction plant, and experimental demonstration of liquefaction at low pressure (in synergy with SINTEF industry) 
• Development of a suitable conceptual ship design and cargo handling system for transporting 30,000 m³ CO₂ 
• Design of the cargo containment system and qualification of a selected material to accommodate the large cargo weight, ensure constructability and operation at design temperature 
• Design, construction and commissioning of a test rig resembling a ship-to-terminal cargo handling system – to investigate, via experimental activities, the operability of a low-pressure system, and determine a safe envelope for the operations
• Benchmarking and validation of simulation tools for assessing cargo handling operations in the low-pressure domain. 
• Experimental and modelling activities within CO₂ thermodynamics to reduce uncertainty in digital design tools. 

Project Results So Far 

– The results of the Qualification Activities indicate no technical obstacles to the deployment of low-pressure CO₂ ship transport value chain. Though there are technical elements that require further attention during project specific development. More specifically, CETO has demonstrated the feasibility of a low-pressure liquefaction plant by developing a conceptual design that meets the design specifications. The conceptual design of the ship, cargo tank, and cargo handling system shows that a dedicated 30K low-pressure LCO₂ carrier can be developed, in compliance with the current rules and regulations – says Gabriele Notaro, project manager at DNV.  

The testing campaign on the medium-scale pilot rig demonstrated that the cargo handling operations could be carried out without dry ice formation, at vapor pressure in the range of 6 to 9 barg. Lastly, the accuracy and suitability of design process simulation tools were benchmarked with good agreement against experimental tests. These activities provided valuable experience and understanding of the fundamentals of a low-pressure value chain,
and the results indicate that low-pressure is technically feasible. 

CLIMIT’s Contribution 

– CLIMIT has been an essential facilitator, providing valuable guidance on handling the project through different phases. Despite technical challenges and elements requiring continuous industry focus, the project partners will use the results and knowledge in internal decision-making processes and specific CCS infrastructure activities – concludes Gabriele Notaro at DNV. 

Future Plans 

CETO partners are discussing further activities related to operations under low-pressure conditions, including:

• Investigate alternative materials suitable for use at low temperatures, addressing production and welding technology and to identify a cost-effective solution for the relevant temperature ranges
• Evaluation of the feasibility, benefits, and technical barriers of using re-liquefaction on low-pressure CO₂ ships to control boil-off during transport, thus reducing the necessary design pressure margins for cargo tanks 
• Investigation of solutions for different impurities, including acid produced by chemical reactions under low-pressure conditions
• Examination of chemical reactions between impurities under low-pressure conditions and possible corrosion effect
• Determination of a representative CO₂ product specification for the low-pressure option, which may involve analysing the balance between lowering impurity levels and reducing corrosivity. 

Publications Following the CETO Project 

To date, the following publications have been released based on the project’s work: 

• Gabriele Notaro, Jed Belgaroui, Knut Maråk, Roe Tverrå, Steve Burthom, Erik Mathias Sørhaug “CETO: Technology Qualification of Low-Pressure CO₂ Ship Transport” 16th Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies Conference, Lyon 23-27 October 2022
• Michael Drescher, Adil Fahmi, Didier Jamois, Christophe Proust, Esteban Marques-Riquelme, Jed Belgaroui, Leyla Teberikler, Alexandre Laruelle. “Blowdown of CO₂ vessels at low and medium pressure conditions: Experiments and simulations” 0957-5820/© 2023 Institution of Chemical Engineers. Published by Elsevier Ltd.
• GHGT16 Proceedings, Poster presentation, “BLOWDOWN OF CO₂ VESSELS AT LOW AND MEDIUM PRESSURE CONDITIONS: EXPERIMENTS AND SIMULATIONS”; Michael Drescher, Adil Fahmi, Didier Jamois, Christophe Proust, Esteban Marques-Riquelme, Jed Belgaroui, Leyla Teberikler, Alexandre Laruelle. 16th Greenhouse Gas Control Technologies Conference, Lyon 23-27 October 2022
• Rod Burgass, Antonin Chapoy “Dehydration requirements for CO₂ and impure CO₂ for ship transport,” Fluid Phase Equilibria. Volume 572, September 2023, 113830
• Antonin Chapoy, Pezhman Ahmadi, Rod Burgass “Direct Measurement of Hydrate Equilibrium Temperature in CO₂ and CO₂ Rich Fluids with Low Water Content,” Fluid Phase Equilibria Volume 581, June 2024, 114063
• Franklin Okoro, Antonin Chapoy, Pezhman Ahmadi, Rod Burgass “Effects of non-condensable CCUS impurities (CH4, O₂, Ar and N₂) on the saturation properties (bubble points) of CO₂-rich binary systems at low temperatures (228.15–273.15 K)” Greenhouse Gases: Science & Technology, 26 December 2023

This Minox-project has received support from the CLIMIT program, amounting to over 3.2 million NOK. The technology has been tested at the University of South-Eastern Norway (USN) in their CO₂ capture rig.

– The goal of Minox’s compact CO₂ capture system is to reduce the carbon footprint of energy operators by enabling capture in locations where conventional technology is difficult to use due to space constraints – says Ole Morten Isdahl of Minox Technology AS.

CLIMIT Support Granted in October 2022, with Three Project Objectives

• Document the operation and performance of the Minox “CO₂ Capture System” under various conditions
• Assess the technology’s potential for use in offshore oil and gas operations considering space and weight limitations
• Develop knowledge and expertise for scaling up the system and further large-scale testing

Activities and Implementation

The project involved a research and development effort, including engineering, construction, and testing at USN, alongside analyses conducted by Minox and its partners. The CLIMIT-supported project has resulted in two publications, presented at the Offshore Technology Conference in Brazil (October 2023) and the Offshore Technology Conference in Houston (May 2024). In Houston, Minox participated with a booth and presented the publication during the session “Innovative Topside Design.”

– We conveyed both the core technology and the opportunities for compact CO₂ capture to energy companies during the conference. There is increasing interest in more compact and space-saving solutions – continues Ole Morten Isdahl.

Results

The compact solvent-based capture technology has undergone extensive testing in USN’s test rig. The goal was to quantify effects on process variables related to CO₂ capture from flue gas streams, with both low and high CO₂ concentrations. Minox`s technology is based on static mixers and separators for gas-liquid contact. Tests were conducted using the well-documented CO₂ capture solvent (MEA).

– Four months of operation have shown promising CO₂ capture rates for both low and high CO₂ concentrations. testing also indicates an improvement in CO₂ mass transfer, combined with reduced size requirements. The technology can be retrofitted to facilities with existing emission points and is particularly suited for offshore installations – concludes Ole Morten Isdahl.

Future plans for Minox

Moving forward, work will include scale testing and demonstration under real operating conditions at an emission source. Minox also aims to collaborate with more partners to realize pilot plants with complete integration of CO₂ capture, energy optimization and other processing needs.