On June 17 and 18, 2024, the Norwegian CCUS Association, part of the Polytechnic Society, attended the French-Norwegian CCS Matchmaking Conference taking place in Paris and Dunkerque. Imran Abdul-Majid, President of the Norwegian CCUS Association, and Florence Delprat-Jannaud, President of the French Club CO2, shared insights into the bilateral collaboration between France and Norway on carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) solutions, highlighting progress in a challenging environment.
Significant behind-the-scenes efforts are underway to gauge industry perceptions of what the Norwegian CCUS Association and the French Club CO2 represent. This collaboration between two distinct industrial sectors – CO2 producers and capturers, and CO2 storage specialists and operators – has already led to several positive developments. Gatherings like the French-Norwegian CCS Match-making Conference 2024 are essential for fostering these networks. The focus now shifts to key sectors in need of a sparring partner. The visit to Dunkuerque during the conference exemplifies this initiative, taking discussions from the conference room to the industrial floor. Both the Norwegian CCUS Association and the French Club CO2 are eager to build on this progress, with several specific initiatives now moving forward.
“France published its national CCUS strategy last summer for consultation, and it is currently being finalized. On the ground, quite a number of CCS and CCU projects are in preparation in France. Some agreements have been signed, particularly with Norway, to facilitate access to storage facilities. CCS and CCU are now being deployed in France, and collaboration with Norway is key to accelerating their realization,” said Florence Delprat-Jannaud, President of the French Club CO2.
Imran Abdul-Majid, President of the Norwegian CCUS Association, added, “It is important, correct, and time-critical that the Polytechnic Society is involved in the emerging industry. The climate challenges we face are significant and have been created by industrial processes. An industrial-scale solution is needed to address this. At the same time, Norway has valuable experience from over 50 years in the oil and gas industry, which plays a central role in technology development for the CCS industry. We have large and influential players who will help build a phenomenal portfolio of subsea storage facilities for safe CO2 storage. Technology brings us to the table; communication helps us find common solutions, and trust will ensure CO2 is stored safely underground.”
During the French-Norwegian CCS Matchmaking Conference, Equinor and GRTgaz signed a project development agreement (PDA) to create a CO2 transport system for captured CO2 from industrial emitters in France to permanent storage sites offshore Norway. The agreement includes developing onshore pipelines and infrastructure to support the decarbonization of France’s Dunkirk industrial area.
Following the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2022, the Norwegian CCUS Association and the French Club CO2 have actively explored their combined expertise, creating an impressive list of achievements. This conference marks another step forward in the ongoing cooperation between Norway and France in tackling global CO2 challenges, demonstrating the power of international collaboration in advancing CCUS technologies.
The French-Norwegian CCS Matchmaking Conference was organized together with Innovation Norway, Chambre de Commerce Franco-Norvégienne, the Norwegian Embassy in Paris and Ambassade de France en Norvège. The Norwegian CCUS Association include the members Aker Solutions, Cignus, DNV, Endrava, Equinor, Hafslund Celsio, KANFA and NORSAR.
Photo (from left): Florence Delprat-Jannaud, President, Club CO2, and Imran Abdul-Majid, President, the Norwegian CCUS Association.
Please contact the Board of the Norwegian CCUS Association for more information!