New exhibition on Net-zero technologies in Stavanger

Tackling climate change is one of the biggest global challenges of our time. Many industrial sectors are developing new technologies to help meet net-zero emission targets. A new exhibition at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger seeks to provide a better understanding of these technologies and offers unique insight into for example how CO₂ can be safely stored in the ground.

The European Union aims to be climate-neutral by 2050, and similarly Norway has the goal to reduce environmental emissions by at least 55% until 2030, compared to 1990 levels. Meeting this target will depend on increasing renewable energy production and reducing CO₂ emissions, and especially the emissions that are difficult to replace directly with electricity. Many European countries therefore have their eyes fixed on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) and the opportunities the area has for CO₂ storage potential. It can play a key role in Europe’s decarbonization plans.

In March this year, the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger opened its new experience “Kutt!” (“Cut!”), co-sponsored by Wintershall Dea, Equinor, TotalEnergies and the Norwegian Ministry of Petroleum and Energy. The exhibition examines the role of emission reduction technologies, like offshore wind, hydrogen, and carbon capture and storage (CCS), in the transition to a net-zero carbon economy. It showcases how traditional E&P companies such as Wintershall Dea are transforming and are part of the solution in addressing climate change.

The exhibition provides facts, activities, and interactive installations showcasing the possibilities, as well as the dilemmas, related to these emerging value chains in a way that is understandable and engaging for young people.

The exhibition shows how Norway has the suitable conditions, knowledge, and an ability to develop and make use of new technologies. The country has large marine areas with windy conditions, perfect for offshore wind generation. Further, the same areas offer enormous opportunities to permanently store CO₂ under the seabed: the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate estimates the total storage capacity below Norwegian waters at 70 billion tonnes. And the country has an offshore industry with world-leading competence that can develop this and produce hydrogen that can replace oil and coal in industry and transport.

Interactive elements suitable for the whole family are at the centre of the exhibition, such as a small wind turbine where visitors can set the blades on the windmill and see the effect of the wind. A hydrogen rocket makes enough noise to make most visitors jump. The so-called “Fluid Flower” is a model of the underground in which CO₂ is injected. The model lets visitors see how the fluid CO₂ behaves in the reservoir. For those interested in understanding reservoir qualities, an interactive screen challenges players to choose which of several reservoirs would be a good fit for storage of CO₂.

Wintershall Dea’s ambition is to become one of the leading companies in carbon management in Europe, and thus playing a part in the energy transition. At the opening of the exhibition Peter Schwarz, the company’s Head of Communications in Norway, talked about the plans:

“Wintershall Dea is determined to shape the energy future, delivering reliable energy with lower emissions. We have an organisation in place with the right skills and knowledge to utilise the excellent storage possibilities on the Norwegian Continental Shelf, and together with other players in this field we can help Europe cut millions of tons of CO₂. Our company’s ambition is to potentially abate 20 to 30 million tons per annum by 2040. That is more than half of Norway’s current annual emissions”, Schwarz said.

The exhibition at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum is open until November.