A scientific research and development programme worth more than NOK 300 million is being launched in Norway with the aim of generating more cost effective technology for CO2-capture. The project is one of the biggest of its kind to date.

SINTEF, the independent research organisation, The Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and Aker Clean Carbon, the industrial technology company, have signed an agreement for an eight-year science and development programme called SOLVit. The programme has a total financial value of NOK 317 million.
SOLVit has a budget of NOK 317 million and is led by Aker Clean Carbon.

“SOLVit makes SINTEF and NTNU able to consolidate the position as Europe’s leading science cluster for CO2-management. The programme includes building a large laboratory facility that will strengthen our standing in the international arena and improve our position in competition for financial support for scientific research from institutions such as the European Union,” says Ms Unni Steinsmo, chief executive of SINTEF.

The financing is a joint effort by Aker, which is the main partner, and other industrial partners, Gassnova SF which participates through the public CLIMIT programme, and SINTEF and NTNU.

Gassnova SF – the Norwegian government’s vehicle for CO2-management (capture, transport, injection and storage) – has approved financial support of NOK 34 million for the first phase of the project, which runs till the end of 2010.

Aker Clean Carbon will conduct technical pre-studies for the planned full-scale CO2-capture facility at Kaarstoe (photo), on the west coast of Norway.

The programme also includes building a new laboratory at Tiller in Trondheim, which will cost NOK 42 million. SINTEF will provide NOK 25 million of the equity for the new laboratory, which will be situated next door to SINTEF’s multi-phase laboratory.

The lab will be a unique test centre for pilot projects, including a 30 metre tall tower and processing column that reached 25 metres high – identical to the height needed in full-scale industrial facilities. The lab will also be available for SINTEF’s domestic and international customers and partners.