During the first period, work began for engineering and execution of a commercial plant, including assessment of potential equipment suppliers, risk analysis and assessment of insurance requirements. Changes required to CRI’s pilot plant were also assessed and designed and the patent application process commenced. Negotiations with a strong strategic partner have progressed far and an agreement was expected to be signed during next period.
In the second period, design progressed and possible sites for an ETL plant were identified and evaluated. A strategic partnership was established with a leading organization in Europe. Other partnerships aimed at facilitating the Circlenergy project goals were developed with a positive outlook. Patent work progressed to ensure filing of patent in third period.
During the third period, the project was impacted by two key issues: COVID-19 pandemic and it became apparent the CRI would not be able to conduct test at GO plant as originally planned (Task 2.2). However, despite these two issues the project progressed considerably with design, with further development of Process Flow Diagrams (PFDs), to include more technical detail regarding process design and the process control. The team also managed to secure an agreement between CRI, Statkraft and site owner in Northern Norway. Furthermore, a provisional patent application was filed at the USPTO under application number 62965605.
CRI’s collaboration with Statkraft and Finnfjord AS on the development of a commercial e-methanol plant in Northern Norway was made public during the fourth period. In October and November 2020, the Norwegian and Icelandic media along with European energy and industry focused media platforms published articles and news announcing this important milestone, with analysis and comments on the project. In spite of the various COVID-19 restriction making traditional meetings and traveling near impossible, the Commercial- and Business Case development of Circlenergy made important advancements during the latter half of 2020, with continuous remote discussions with both investment and funding organizations as well as offtake- and utility providers and landowners.
The front-end engineering and design of a brownfield commercial scale ETL plant were advanced and ready to be finalized and issued once the outcome of the validation is available.
During the final period the verification of design through modelling and simulation were completed, as well as the front-end engineering design of a brownfield commercial scale ETL plant was finalized. Commercial development of Circlenergy continued, despite travel restrictions due to COVID-19. Discussions with both investment and funding organisations, as well as potential offtakers were progressed significantly with the objective of reaching critical agreements by end of the year. Statkraft, Finnfjord and CRI are working closely together with the objective of an ETL plant startup in Finnfjord in 2024. Key suppliers have been identified and evaluated for the commercial rollout of ETL plants.
During the whole project, communication and information activities have been implemented to improve visibility of Circlenergy project and its achievements.
CRI and the Circlenergy team are pleased to announce a successful completion and close-out of the Circlenergy project where all WPs, Tasks and Deliverables have been completed according to specifications.
