World first in Norway – CCS technology for cement production

“Brevik Norcem” attracted global interest years before its realization: The facility being built in Brevik, Norway until July 2024 is the world’s first project for carbon dioxide capture and storage within an existing cement production plant and is set to reduce CO2 emissions there by 50%.

Being open to new technologies and solutions to make environmentally harmful industries lower in emissions. This credo is being implemented worldwide with different concepts. Norway is a pioneer in the field of CCS technology (Carbon Capture & Storage). In 2020, the government approved the long-planned “Brevik Norcem” project, paving the way for the construction of the world’s first CCS technology facility in the cement industry. A special challenge for engineers and technicians, as the CCS plant is being built on the grounds of a cement works while production there continues 24/7. In the future, 400,000 tons of CO2 per year are to be captured and made ready for storage. An innovative large-scale project with the goal of transporting the first delivery of liquid CO2 for permanent storage to the Northern Lights

project in July 2024. The Northern Light project stores emissions deep beneath the Norwegian seabed.

Key role for the future

The initiators of this unique project are a renowned Norwegian corporation and a well-known company that belongs as a subsidiary to the world’s leading building materials group for aggregates, cement and ready-mix concrete.
The globally operating building materials group employs around 54,000 people at over 3,000 locations worldwide and is involved in various CO2 reduction measures, with the goal of offering climate-neutral concrete from 2050. For the company, the large-scale project in Brevik plays a key role, the success of which could significantly influence the future role of CCS within the cement industry.

Reliable SE industrial valves

Siekmann Econosto supplies ball valves and butterfly valves in DIN standard to Brevik for the construction. The first valve delivery arrived in Norway in 2022. Siekmann Econosto is known as a globally operating company for its highly efficient valve solutions and is interested in supporting climate-friendly industrial concepts. True to the company’s claim: Let’s make new energy sustainable and affordable.

CCS technology in Germany?

Politics and business are watching Norway with anticipation. A successful implementation of the CCS technology facility within cement production and subsequent storage beneath the seabed could also open the doors to CCS technology in Germany. In Germany, the plan for carbon capture and storage is a controversial topic. Laws and regulations restrict the usability of CCS technology. Above all, the safety of CO2 repositories is one of the risk factors. The individual federal states can therefore prohibit storage on their land. In view of the difficult economic situation and advancing climate change, however, interest in CCS technologies has increased. Additional safety measures and the possibility of Carbon Capture & Usage, i.e. CO2 capture with subsequent recycling, increase interest in terms of sustainable use.

About Siekmann Econosto

We develop forward-looking valve solutions your company needs. Responsible action towards customers, employees and society, as well as sustainable development, are our top priorities.

Since 2008, the company has been part of the Dutch ERIKS Group, a leading international industrial service provider and wholesaler of technical components.