At the heart of Norway's contribution to this pan-European research powerhouse is Morten Grønli. As the Norwegian Node Leader for ECCSEL and a long-standing Laboratory Manager/Chief Engineer at NTNU, Grønli has a unique vantage point on the journey of CCUS research – from its early days to its current critical role.

"My background within experimental research and activity over many years gives me an advantage to see the challenges that our researchers and students meet," he reflects.

This deep understanding of both the needs of researchers and the capabilities of the infrastructure is vital.

Norway: A Legacy of CCUS Leadership and World-Class Infrastructure

Norway's involvement in CCUS isn't new; it's a story of decades-long commitment. "We have been working on CCUS from the early beginning," Grønli states, highlighting Norway's role as an initiative-taker on the European stage, leading to the very formation of ECCSEL. This legacy is built upon a strong national ecosystem. "In Norway, we have SINTEF, we have NTNU, we have IFE, we have NORSAR, which today are part of the ECCSEL initiative in Norway," he explains, also noting the potential for other universities and research organisations to join.

This concentrated expertise translates into tangible assets for the international community through ECCSEL's "Single-Point Open Access":

• Comprehensive Expertise Across the Value Chain: "We are working in quite many disciplines, both on the capture side, transport side, as well as the storage side," Grønli notes. This breadth is a significant strength.

• Pioneering Transport Research: The facilities at SINTEF and NTNU, for instance, are crucial for understanding CO₂ transport. "A lot of information is still missing... so doing fundamental research, developing models which can be used in larger simulation tools is crucial," he emphasizes. This work extends to emerging energy carriers like hydrogen and ammonia.

• World-Class, Accessible Facilities: Norway boasts over 30 research facilities within ECCSEL, representing significant capital investment. These labs, like those for high-pressure combustion, CO₂ flow, and well integrity, are at the disposal of researchers worldwide.

ECCSEL ERIC: Amplifying Impact Through Collaboration

For Norway, a nation with substantial domestic research capabilities, the value of ECCSEL lies in collaboration and strategic development. "Now ECCSEL ERIC is there, and what is important is to move forward," says Grønli. He sees the inclusion of new member countries like Denmark and Germany as a sign of ECCSEL's growing strength and "blooming."

A key priority for the Norwegian Node is ensuring its extensive facilities are actively utilised. "For me, it's important that our research facilities are being used," Grønli asserts. This means not only serving Norwegian researchers but critically, "to open up for transnational access... to have this collaboration with researchers outside Norway." He points to the importance of "bilateral contacts" and the "knowledge that our researchers and our students that we are educating will be very important also in the future."

Building on Strength, Focusing for the Future

While ECCSEL expands its scope to CDR and LCES, Grønli advocates for a focused approach. "I think it's important that we do not spread our activity within too many areas," he cautions, while acknowledging the relevance of BECCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) and geothermal energy. The current focus on CCUS, complemented by these new strategic areas, allows ECCSEL to leverage established strengths effectively.

Norway’s continued commitment, exemplified by leaders like Morten Grønli and its world-class research environment, provides a powerful engine within ECCSEL. By fostering collaboration, providing access to critical infrastructure, and educating the next generation of experts, Norway is helping to "bring the world forward" in developing the diverse carbon management solutions urgently needed for a sustainable planet.