The interest for Brevik CCS continues to rise
The interest for Norcem’s carbon capture project in Brevik, Norway, exceeds all expectations. Since the start of the construction project last year, and several years before the plant is finally in place, more than 100 external activities have taken place in the name of knowledge sharing.
Tor Gautestad, Project Manager Brevik CCS, says that the interest has been higher than expected at this stage.
– Within the first year we had more than 100 activities registered where the primary focus were knowledge sharing about the project and to educate about carbon capture and storage solutions. We have seen visits from both domestic and abroad, seminars, technical conferences, in addition to numerous of journalists visiting us from small to large international media outlets. All this in a year where Covid-19 clearly reduced the possibility to welcome guests at our cement plants, says Gautestad, who believes that the interest will continue to grow in the near future.
Recent visit by the US Charge D’affairs in Norway
Recently the US leading diplomat, Charge D’affairs Claire Hudson-Dean visited Norcem and the Brevik plant. Hudson-Dean confirmed that the Norwegian Longship-project which Brevik CCS is part of, is a known project also in Washington, and that they monitor and follow the progress closely.
– We are glad to demonstrate this project to key actors that have power to influence, and it was pleasant to welcome Hudson-Dean to our plant so that she could see for herself how the project develops. She and several others who have contacted or visited us during the last year have shown great interest in carbon capture, says Gautestad.
Interest from all parts of the world
Per Brevik, Responsible for Permits and Governmental Affairs in HeidelbergCement Northern Europe says that the interest is blossoming.
– We have a clear ambition from our side to be a company that says “yes” to visits. A company that welcomes and shares knowledge about carbon reducing measures in the industry. Knowledge sharing is a key part of the project and it is also an important part of our social responsibility. During the last year we have participated in teaching programs from elementary school all the way up to Phd-studies. We have experienced interest from all parts of the world about the technology and the process behind the construction of a carbon capture plant at our premises, says Brevik who has been working with the Norcem CCS-project from the very first beginning nearly 20 years ago.
Status on the project
The interest also brings questions about the status.
– 12-13 months into the construction works, the project follows the scheduled time plan. This in a period where there have been several challenges, among others the pandemic. It is also known that we have had a budget deficit. At the same time, it is important for us to communicate that we have a good relationship with all our contractors and the government. The project has just been verified by third-parties, focusing on organization, progress and cost control. So far the feedback has been positive, Brevik says.