Norway – NorFraKalk has joined forces with Ocean GeoLoop to embark on a large-scale carbon capture project with the goal of rendering NorFraKalk climate neutral.
The lime and cement sector, accounting for approximately 10% of global CO2 emissions, stands as a critical target for carbon capture initiatives to align with climate objectives.
The collaboration, backed by Enova, a governmental agency promoting environmentally friendly energy production and consumption in Norway, is set to demonstrate the efficacy of Ocean GeoLoop’s carbon capture technology. With the lime and cement industry being a challenging sector for existing capture methods, this initiative aims to showcase a solution that is not only effective but also clean and energy-efficient.
Ocean GeoLoop technology
Ocean GeoLoop employs an all-electric pressure swing process for CO2 capture, distinguishing itself by not relying on excess heat. Unlike many conventional capture technologies hindered by the lack of excess heat, this approach offers a more versatile and efficient solution. The technology underwent rigorous testing in 2022 and 2023, including trials at the industrial pilot plant at Norske Skog Skogn and comprehensive assessments at SINTEF’s carbon capture lab in Trondheim.
The initial phase of this collaboration involves the evaluation of a pilot plant for carbon capture situated at NorFraKalk’s lime kiln in Verdal Industrial Park. The lime kiln currently releases approximately 200,000 tonnes of CO2 annually. The proposed pilot project, designed to capture 10,000 tonnes of CO2, seeks to validate the effectiveness of the solution specifically in quicklime production.
In previous years, NorFraKalk engaged in various studies led by SINTEF to explore different technologies for CO2 capture from lime kilns. The unique challenge in many cases was the absence of excess heat to power the capture process. Ocean GeoLoop’s innovative approach addresses this challenge by utilizing an all-electric pressure swing process.
