In the eighties, the two researchers discussed what could be done with the CO₂ emissions from gas extraction. 36 years later, the solution they came up with is absolutely crucial in the effort against climate change.
One summer evening in 1986, two researchers from Sintef discussed an idea that was to have great significance. Erik Lindeberg had invited Torleif Holt to his cabin in Sweden. The conversation revolved around a topic they were both concerned with: How should we deal with CO₂ from gas extraction? And it possible to capture the CO₂ gas and return it to where it came from?
Ten years later these early ideas became a reality at the Sleipner field in the North Sea, when CO₂ was pumped back under the seabed for the first time. Equinor and its partners proved to the world that safe carbon storage was possible.
Today, the climate crisis is our greatest challenge. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) will become an increasingly important technology for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. The message from the UN climate panel is clear. CCS is crucial for the world to reach our common climate goals – and we need it on a large scale.
The combustion of fossil energy sources increases the proportion of CO₂ in the atmosphere. So why not just stop it? The answer is as simple as the solution is complex: Not all industries can be electrified, and the industriesare often left with carbon from the production itself. Therefore, capturing and storing the carbonbecomes essential.
In Norwaywe’ve already gotten started. Our joint Northern Lights project together with Shell and TotalEnergies is part of the venture the government calls “Longship”. The project has ambitions to realize CCS on a full scale – and no other country in the world has such a system. We see even greater opportunities in this space. Our new CO₂ storage site Smeaheia, just off the coast of Bergen – could become the world’s largest.
