Joining forces in technology development

European manufacturers are joining forces to develop a technology enabling a more cost efficient way of capturing C02.

Aker Kvaerner, a Norweigan engineering service, has joined with ten partners and Gassnova, in the project Just Catch. It aims to develop a technology enabling a more cost efficient way of capturing CO2. The environmentally friendly technology, which can be implemented for gas power plants by 2010, will be owned by Aker Kvaerner.

The project is a result of a study done in 2004 and 2005 which indicated a significant potential for cost reductions applying new technological solutions.

The study showed a reduction of 50 percent on investments and 30 percent on operating costs compared to a reference facility developed by the international joint industry project, Carbon Capture Project.

The reductions are results of fewer, but larger components, modern absorption chemicals and innovative design of the facility.

The main goal is to further develop the findings from the study to a viable solution, reducing both technical and economic risks. There will be extensive pilot testing in the project.

The project will run for two years and form the basis for a final investment decision. The technology may also be applied for coal fired power plants and other industrial CO2 sources.

Gassnova, which is a Norwegian governmental organisation promoting technology development for carbon emission abatement, will cover up to 50 percent of the investments.

The project partners include Gassco; Fortum; Hydro; and Shell Technology Norway.