Advancing Climate Science: A Romanian Delegation Explores CCS Innovations in Norway

A picture of the study group at the northern lights wearing yellow suits and helmets

Pictured: The study group visiting Northern Lights

In a significant stride towards international collaboration in climate science, a delegation of ten Romanian experts embarked on a study visit to Norway, organized by Innovation Norway and the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE). The primary objective was to delve into the latest developments in Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, legislation, and pioneering projects. This visit not only served as a platform for knowledge exchange but also highlighted the vital role of bilateral cooperation between Romania and Norway in the realm of climate science initiatives.

Exploring Cutting-Edge CCS Technologies

The Romanian delegation's journey commenced with a visit to the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM), located 67 kilometers from Bergen, Norway’s second largest city and the European home of CCS.

The centre's primary mission is to test, verify, and demonstrate various technologies related to cost-efficient and industrial-scale CO2 capture. TCM's advisory services play a pivotal role in advancing carbon capture projects, aiming to facilitate the widespread deployment of this transformative technology across industries.

The study group in a meeting room with Technology Centre Mongstad

The Technology Centre Mongstad's presentation for the study group.

TCM's contribution is integral to Norway's commitment to mitigating climate change. CCS emerges as a vital solution for reducing emissions from coal or gas-based industrial operations, a significant step toward decarbonizing industries like cement and steel, which are notorious for their high CO2 emissions.

A presentation being held by the Technology Centre Mongstad, showing their test campaigns

Pictured: The Technology Centre Mongstad's presentation for the study group

Northern Lights Project: A Milestone in CCS

A standout feature of the visit was the exploration of the Northern Lights visitor center and administration complex in Øygarden, just 54 kilometers from Bergen. This facility, inaugurated in October 2022, signifies a breakthrough in CCS infrastructure. While developing and operating the first infrastructure for commercial CO2 transport and storage, the visitor centre serves as a living testament to current and future CO2 storage projects.

Northern Lights’ CO2 receiving terminal in Øygarden, Norway.

Pictured: CO2 receiving terminal in the municipality of Øygarden in western Norway.

Under the "Langskip" project, two capture facilities, along with transport and storage infrastructure, have been established. The capture plants, situated at Heidelberg Cement's factory in Brevik and the waste incineration facility at Klemetsrud in Oslo, collectively aim to capture a staggering 800,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The CO2 will then be transported through a pipeline to a well in Øygarden, where it will be securely stored 2,600 meters below the seabed. The total investment for these projects is estimated at 2.5 billion euros over a decade, with substantial contributions from the Norwegian Government.

The study group sitting in an auditorium at northern lights

Pictured: The study visit group at Northern Lights

A stop was also made at Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research where the issue of extreme weather events was brought into focus as tied to the wider changes in climate.

The Study group visiting the Climate research centre Bjerknes

Pictured: The study group at Bjerknes Centre for Climate Research

A Platform for Lasting Collaboration

The study visit not only marked a significant milestone in understanding and advancing CCS technology but also fostered a spirit of camaraderie and mutual learning among the Norwegian and Romanian delegation members. Their expressed interest in maintaining post-visit connections led to the establishment of an informal platform for the exchange of information, facilitated by Innovation Norway and NVE.

Bilateral Cooperation: The Driving Force

This study visit stands as a testament to the profound impact of bilateral cooperation between Romania and Norway. It underscores the shared commitment to tackling climate change through groundbreaking initiatives in climate science and technology. The bilateral cooperation between Romania and Norway not only strengthens diplomatic ties but also propels the world towards a sustainable and environmentally conscious future.

About the Energy Programme in Romania

The Energy Programme in Romania, managed by Innovation Norway, aims at less carbon intensive energy and increased energy security, providing grants for investments in renewable energy, energy efficiency and electrification of households. The Programme financing is ensured through the EEA and Norway Grants which contribute to social and economic development in 10 European countries, including Romania.

About Innovation Norway

Innovation Norway is the Norwegian Government's most important instrument for innovation and development of Norwegian enterprises and industry. Innovation Norway supports companies in developing their competitive advantage and to enhance innovation. In Romania, Innovation Norway is managing two programmes: the Energy Programme and the SMEs Growth Programme.

Presentations

BCCR, BIR, Northern Lights, RO Delegation, TCM

The full media library is also available here.

Publisert :

5. okt. 2023

Sist oppdatert :

6. okt. 2023