1. Greeting to CLIMIT

“The biggest discoveries are those that coming generations take for granted”, said the Scottish physician and microbiologist, Alexander Fleming when he transformed the history of science. He was awarded the Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1945 for his groundbreaking discovery of penicillin – one of the most significant scientific advances of the twentieth century.

I cannot predict whether today’s scientists researching CO₂ management will be honoured in the same way, but what is clear is that technology like this is very important to the fight against global warming. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) faces scepticism due to its high costs and complexity. Nevertheless, Norwegian governments have chosen to take a lead in CO₂ management for the simple reason that we cannot afford not to.

Established in 2005, CLIMIT has contributed to significant developments in the area of CO₂ management. Heidelberg Materials’ cement factory in Brevik will soon be opening its first major capture facility with support from the Norwegian authorities and the CLIMIT programme.

CLIMIT has enabled research communities and industry to establish close ties to leading research communities internationally, which has in turn improved the quality f their own deliverables. The programme has accelerated technological development in terms of both research and industrial activities, and Norway is now among the world’s leaders in the field of CO₂ management. Foreign delegations visit Norway to learn about CO₂ management, which is a source of pride and new opportunities for technological development and industrial growth.

As yet, we still have a way to go on our road ahead to make CCS available for a global market.  This is why we will continue investing in the CLIMIT programme. I wish you all good luck in our CCS journey!

Terje Aasland, Norwegian Minister of Energy