CCS Excellence; The 2025 CLIMIT Award Winners

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!