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Opening of CO2 Technology Centre Mongstad by Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg

10. mai 2012Gassnova SF

Photo: Helge Hansen 7 May Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg opened the CO2 Technology Centre (TCM) at Mongstad. ” Today we are opening the world’s largest and most advanced laboratory for testing carbon capture technologies”, the Prime Minister said in his speech. He congratulated  and emphasized the importance of expertise and technology to reduce CO2 emissions. 

Opening of CO2 Technology Centre Mongstad 7 May

The guests at the opening ceremony also took the opportunity to further discussions and exchange of information on technology in the following days the 8 – 10 May in Bergen, the capital of the Hordaland County.

The Prime Minister Jens Stoltenberg officially opened the technology centre at Mongstad 7 May. Also the Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe was present.  The owners Gassnova, Statoil, Shell and Sasol received recognition from the Prime Minister for their efforts to establish the centre. The two technology suppliers, Aker Solutions and Alstom, were praised for how they participate in TCM and help with technology development within carbon capture. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for cooperation and invited the international stakeholders to participate along with Norway at Mongstad.

International congratulations came from, among others, Günther Oettinger, European Commissioner for Energy, Maria van der Hoeven, Executive Director of the International Energy Association (IEA) and the CEO of the Global CCS Institute (GCCSI), Brad Page.

The TCM opening ceremony was a memorable celebration of one of the most important milestones in the technology development for carbon capture and storage (CCS).  The technology centre is the largest and most flexible of its kind in the world at present. There are great expectations for what the centre can help in the development to reduce the cost of carbon capture.  The facility is flexible, which the guests were shown and explained during the plant tour.

The Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe said in his speech: “As we open Technology Centre Mongstad – TCM – we reach an important milestone in our efforts on CCS. I am truly proud that we have reached this milestone, and have high expectations for the work ahead.”

The CEO of Gassnova, the Norwegian state enterprise for CCS, Bjørn-Erik Haugan spoke on behalf of the partners: “Time and Tide waits for no man” - nor will climate change!   Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is proving to be an exhausting marathon, and time is now becoming of the essence. What you see today, is a large, complicated and unique industrial research plant which holds great promise of advancing carbon capture technologies. The completion of this plant is tangible evidence to our commitment to combating climate change, and that our efforts are paying off. “

The opening ceremony also showed that the world is making progress in the development of carbon capture technology.  This was emphasized by speakers and guests, while international cooperation was stressed. This is too demanding to do alone, and the large international presence and interest reflected that the work is supported and driven by many.

CCS seminar and continued meetings among the players 8-10 May

In the days after the opening, 8 – 10 May, the CO2 players took the opportunity to meet and discuss different CCS topics of interests in Bergen.
Gassnova, IEA and GCCSI have collaborated on the events in the days following the opening.

8 May a CCS seminar was arranged. Management and experts presented their latest news and discussed challenges and the way forward. GCCSI continued with a members meeting.

9-10 May IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme arranged their executive committee meeting.