The purpose of Neubaur's visit was to discuss CO2 reduction strategies with the Atlas Copco Energas team - and to learn more about the compression technology that can help in making this happen.
Neubaur attends CCUS presentation at Atlas Copco Energas in Cologne, Germany. Copyright: Florian Hacke FH MEDIA & CONSULTING
It's one of the major pieces in the global energy transition "puzzle": Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) technology puts CO2 to use (for example as a feedstock), or helps store it safely, thereby reducing emissions. In fact, CCUS can applied in many industries, well beyond "traditional" CO2-intensive sectors such as hydrocarbons.
Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS) Diagram by Atlas Copco
Atlas Copco Gas and Process has two decades of providing integrally-geared centrifugal compressors for the CCUS market. As shown in the diagram, Gas and Process provides solutions for different CCUS applications and processes - from CO2 capture to utilization.
Springmann and Neubaur discuss Atlas Copco Gas and Process CCUS technologies. Copyright: Florian Hacke FH MEDIA & CONSULTING
“CCUS needs different pillars to be feasible,” said Daniel Springmann, General Manager of Atlas Copco Energas. “It requires technology to compress CO2 reliably and safely - this has long since been available - in terms of technology, at a very mature level. But commercial carbon management projects must also have a favorable legislative framework to support: And here's where we just need to pick up a lot more speed in Germany."
Presentation by Daniel Springmann, General Manager of Atlas Copco Energas. Copyright: Florian Hacke FH MEDIA & CONSULTING
How to deal with CO2: Changing communication and perception
Atlas Copco banner. Copyright: Florian Hacke FH MEDIA & CONSULTING
With a massive CO2 compressor package bound for the United States serving as the backdrop, Neubaur (a member of North Rhine-Westphalia's Green Party and also Deputy Governor) pledged such political support. However, she also explained the challenges and priorities.
"In the bigger picture, we want to pursue and communicate a CO2 reduction strategy built on technological innovation. However, with our state still producing an abundance of CO2, the primary focus in CO2 capture needs to be on abatement in general," said Neubaur.
Discussing carbon management strategies: Trade association Köln Metall hosted Minister Neubaur's visit with Atlas Copco Energas. Copyright: Florian Hacke FH MEDIA & CONSULTING
With a GDP of close to BEUR 800 per year – more than most national economies in the world - North Rhine-Westphalia is emitting 40 percent of Germany's CO2. This means there is not only vast potential for CO2 abatement in general, but also for smart solutions that help use (or store) CO2.
Springmann and Neubaur agreed that both industry and the political sphere need to get to a point where CO2 is more widely viewed as a potential resource - rather than just waste.
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