It has been announced by Ocean GeoLoop AS, NorFraKalk and Franzefoss Minerals that the next phase for Ocean GeoLoop’s 10,000 tonnes industrial scale CO2 capture demo plant, will be going ahead. This plant will be based at the company’s NorFraKalk plant, which is located in Mid-Norway and the next phase, which will be commencing by 2030, will be aimed at drawing the plant closer to full scale carbon capture.

Chief Executive Officer of Ocean GeoLoop, Odd-Geir Lademo, said that, “Last year we conducted a feasibility study resulting in a modular concept for an industrial scale demonstration plant according to NorFraKalk´s requirements, including estimates for CAPEX, OPEX, and energy consumption. Following this successful study, we are excited about the initiation of the next step towards climate natural production at NorFraKalk, the realisation of a 10 000 tonnes industrial scale CO2 capture demo plant at their lime kiln in Verdal Industrial Park.”

What was said, made reference to the announcement which occurred on January 25th, 2024, and December 13th, 2024, and this reference was made in relation to the Enova supported project. The Enova supported project is aimed at showcasing a carbon capture solution, which will be utilised within the lime and cement industries. The results which were verified by SINTEF helpfully provided carbon capture rates which exceeded 90%, as well as a product gas purity of 95% and finally a record-low energy consumption, which fell within the range of 200 kWh/tonne.

From this point, it has been agreed that within the coming months, the partnership will now aim to ensure that financing is secured for the demo plant. This will include factors such as liquefactions, as well as intermediate storage. So far, it is evident that Enova has been an important supporter throughout the phase which has now been completed. Further to this, the partnership is due to apply for Enova grants, as they will become part of the funding package, which will be extremely useful throughout the construction of the demo plant. It has been stated that an investment decision is expected by Q2 2025.

Chairman of the board at Ocean GeoLoop, Anders Onarheim, commented, “We look forward to continuing working with NorFraKalk and Franzefoss Minerals to realise their high ambitions in an industry that is a cornerstone of our commercial strategy. Through the study we have built an industrially experienced and professional supply chain able to deliver modularised designs, with yard capacity in Norway, Europe and Asia. The lime and cement industry accounts for approximately a tenth of the world's CO2 emissions and is one of the industries where CO2 capture is necessary to achieve the EU Fit for 55 climate goals.”