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The Carbon Corner - Issue #55

Published 7 months ago • 5 min read

In this week's edition of The Carbon Corner, we will explore projects like easyJet's groundbreaking partnership with Airbus and how BP and Carbon Clean Solutions are teaming up to optimize compact carbon capture technology for ships. We will also examine the efforts of The Crown Estate in the UK, which is actively supporting carbon capture initiatives to help the nation achieve its ambitious net-zero targets. Join us as we cover this and more!

ERMA FIRST's Innovative Carbon Capture System Receives Approval in Principle from Lloyd's Register

Lloyd’s Register (LR) has granted Approval in Principle (AiP) to ERMA FIRST for its groundbreaking Carbon Capture & Storage (CCS) system, marking a significant milestone in the maritime sector's pursuit of sustainability. ERMA FIRST's CCS system employs amine absorption technology to capture CO2 emissions by mixing flue gases with a specialized amine solvent, initiating a chemical reaction that separates CO2 from the solvent. The captured CO2 is stored onboard in cryogenic conditions, while the solvent is reused, creating a sustainable carbon capture loop. This system's ability to capture a substantial volume of CO2 emissions allows ship owners to surpass the International Maritime Organization's strict emission reduction targets while extending vessel lifecycles.

LR's AiP is a pivotal step, enabling ERMA FIRST to progress to onboard pilot testing while receiving LR's support in mitigating maritime asset risks. It follows the success of ERMA FIRST's ballast water treatment system approved by LR in 2018. Nick Brown, CEO of Lloyd's Register, emphasized CCS technology's potential to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the short to medium term, highlighting LR's commitment to the global energy transition.

Konstantinos Stampedakis, Co-Founder & Managing Director of ERMA FIRST, expressed excitement about the AiP, marking a significant milestone for the CCS project and highlighting the collaboration with LR. This achievement underscores the maritime industry's dedication to greener operations and the vital role of collaborative initiatives and technical expertise in accelerating sustainable technology adoption. As ERMA FIRST advances to the next phase, this AiP serves as a guiding light, illuminating the maritime industry's path to decarbonization.

easyJet Partners with Airbus on Groundbreaking Carbon Removal Initiative

easyJet has made aviation history by becoming the world's first airline to partner with Airbus on their innovative carbon-removal initiative, known as the Airbus Carbon Capture Offer. This initiative harnesses Direct Air Carbon Capture and Storage (DACCS) technology, which involves the extraction of CO2 emissions from the air using powerful fans and then securely storing the CO2 underground. While it's challenging to directly offset emissions from aircraft operations, DACCS offers a solution by removing an equivalent amount of CO2 from the atmosphere, complementing other strategies like sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption.

In 2022, easyJet committed to potentially pre-purchasing verified carbon removal credits through Airbus, valid from 2026 to 2029. These credits, totaling 400,000 tonnes, will be supplied by Airbus's partner, 1PointFive. Airbus has been a leader in aerospace decarbonization, aiming to launch a hydrogen-powered commercial aircraft by 2035 and refining products and services to address climate change. They support global decarbonization programs and industry-wide targets like achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Airbus actively promotes SAF adoption, with a target of 100% SAF compatibility by 2030. They conduct research and trials to expedite SAF use, considering that SAF production must significantly increase to meet the industry's ambitious goals. Airbus also engages in advocacy efforts and collaborations, such as the SAF User Group, to boost blended SAF utilization.

Notably, Airbus has started delivering aircraft produced in Mobile, Alabama, using sustainable aviation fuel, supplied by partners World Energy and Signature Flight Support. Airbus's commitment to sustainability and innovative initiatives like DACCS and SAF adoption demonstrates its dedication to reducing the aviation sector's environmental impact.

BP Advances Endurance CCS Project with Lease Agreement in North Sea

BP, as the lead operator, has secured an agreement for lease to advance the Endurance CCS project, which aims to create a reservoir in the North Sea for storing hard-to-abate carbon emissions from carbon-intensive heavy industry in Teesside and Humberside. This project, according to The Crown Estate, has the potential to significantly decarbonize the UK's industrial emissions, aligning with the government's goal to capture and store 20-30 MtCO2 annually by 2030. The agreement encompasses various phases, including construction, CO2 injection, monitoring, and decommissioning, recognizing the long-term commitment required for CCS investments.

The Crown Estate is dedicated to supporting CCS development and is actively involved in shaping the CCS industry through collaboration with the North Sea Transition Authority (NSTA). Endurance is part of the Northern Endurance Partnership’s (NEP) East Coast Cluster, selected for the UK Government’s CCS cluster sequencing process in 2021.

The Crown Estate is also working on designing a leasing process for CCS developers in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland, ensuring compatibility with other marine activities and respecting coastal environments. Furthermore, they are exploring the co-location of offshore wind and CCS through the Offshore Wind and CCS Co-location Forum, aiming to address challenges and make co-location a reality in the future.

Samsung Engineering and Carbon Clean Partner to Develop Compact Carbon Capture Tech for Ships

Samsung Engineering Company Limited (SECL) and Carbon Clean Solutions have signed a Joint Development Agreement (JDA) aimed at optimizing Carbon Clean's compact carbon capture technology, CycloneCC, for maritime use. CycloneCC is significantly smaller than traditional carbon capture units, boasting a size reduction of ten times with a 50% smaller footprint. The agreement was formalized at the 2023 Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC). The signing ceremony was attended by executives from both companies, emphasizing the importance of this strategic alliance in creating sustainable solutions for global clients and advancing the transition to cleaner energy.

This development aligns with the broader trend of integrating carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology into maritime operations, as evidenced by Lloyd's Register's recent Approval in Principle (AiP) for ERMA FIRST's post-combustion CCS system. ERMA FIRST's solution captures CO2 from vessel exhaust gases, liquefies it, and stores it cryogenically onboard. DNV has also released new guidelines for the safe installation of onboard carbon capture and storage (OCCS) systems on ships, highlighting the growing interest in CCS solutions within the maritime industry. SECL and Carbon Clean's collaboration represents a step forward in advancing eco-friendly technologies for maritime applications, contributing to sustainability in the energy sector.

Schaper Energy Consulting is a professional engineering firm offering carbon strategy services to CCS site developers. Check out some examples of our projects here: https://schaperintl.com/carbon-strategies/

If you have questions or comments, please contact us at info@schaperintl.com.

We hope you enjoyed reading this week and hope to see you back next week for more!

Schaper Energy Consulting

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