Everllence’s Compression Systems Aid CO2 Transport in Northern Europe

Although carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) operations are losing some traction in the United States, Everllence is still providing compression solutions for these projects in Europe and around the world. For example, Everllence was recently contracted to deliver five centrifugal compression trains for the Net-Zero Teesside Power (NZT Power) and Northern Endurance Partnership (NEP) projects in the United Kingdom’s East Coast Cluster decarbonization program.

Dr. Marco Ernst, Head of the CCUS Segment at Everllence, offered in-depth technical context regarding the CO₂-compression systems and how these trains enable efficient CO₂ transport to sequestration sites across Northern Europe. Additionally, Ernst outlines the role of dynamic process simulations and digital twin technology, the company’s latest advancements in compression, and where he sees the CCUS industry in 5 – 10 years.

Type-RG compressor for CCUS applications | Image Credit: Everllence

TURBO: What role will the centrifugal compressor trains serve in the NZT Power and NEP carbon capture and storage projects?

Ernst: The centrifugal compressor trains are at the heart of the CO₂-handling process. At NZT Power, the two integrally geared RG compressors will first boost the captured CO₂ from low pressure while still in a wet condition. This ensures stable downstream operation and efficient dehydration. Once the gas is dried, three RB barrel compressors will raise the CO₂ to pipeline pressure, enabling safe and reliable transport via the Northern Endurance Partnership’s offshore infrastructure.

In short: The RG compressors provide efficient low-pressure boosting, while the RB compressors deliver the high-pressure compression needed for permanent storage beneath the North Sea. Together, the five trains ensure a seamless compression process from capture to transport.

TURBO: How do dynamic process simulations ensure that compressors operate at full process efficiency? How can operators use real-time data obtained via digital twin technology?

Ernst: Dynamic process simulations model the full range of operating scenarios—including start-up, shut-down, load changes, and transient events—before the plant is even built. This enables the compressor systems to be optimized for process stability and efficiency under real conditions, reducing risks during commissioning and operation.

These simulations belong to the “Digital Twin” group of simulation model-based digital solutions. Once the dynamic simulation has been carried out, it also forms the basis for further simulation-based solutions; the “Virtual Commissioning”, which can be used to simulate the commissioning of the machine train in real time, and the ‘Operator Training Simulator’, which allows operators to practice the entire operation of the machine system in a complete simulation environment.

The digital twin technology adds another layer: By using virtual sensors and machine-learning algorithms, the system continuously compares real-time operating data with the simulated ideal performance. Operators can immediately validate measured values, detect deviations, and fine-tune operation in real time. This means higher availability, more stable efficiency, and predictive insights that support proactive maintenance.

TURBO: Following compression, where and how will the CO₂ be transported and stored for these projects?

Ernst: After high-pressure compression, the CO₂ is transported through the Northern Endurance Partnership’s onshore and offshore pipeline network to dedicated storage sites beneath the North Sea. These include deep saline aquifers and depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs that provide secure, permanent geological storage. NEP’s infrastructure will not only handle emissions from NZT Power but also gather CO₂ from a range of industrial sources across Teesside, creating a shared backbone for the East Coast Cluster decarbonization program.

TURBO: What are the primary operational differences between Everllence’s type-RG and type-RB compressors?

Ernst: The RG integrally geared compressors are ideally suited for CO₂ applications. Their multiple gear-driven shafts allow each impeller stage to run at its optimal speed, resulting in very high efficiency and lower operating costs. They are also compact and flexible in handling varying load conditions.

RB barrel compressors, by contrast, are designed for high-pressure service and large volume flows. Their robust inline construction makes them the preferred choice when high suction pressures are involved. In NZT Power and NEP, the combination of RG and RB compressors allows us to cover the entire compression process efficiently, from capture to offshore transmission.

TURBO: How else is Everllence assisting the United Kingdom’s East Coast Cluster decarbonization program? Have there been previous equipment deliveries for these projects?

Ernst: The NZT power plant is the first of many planned CCS projects within the East Coast Cluster. We are also supporting engineering contractors and operators to design several other capture plants within the cluster, particularly with CO₂ compressor design work.

TURBO: What are the latest advancements in CO₂-compression technologies? Is Everllence incorporating these new features?

Ernst: Everllence has recently introduced several innovations to make CO₂ compression more efficient, flexible, and sustainable. For example, in Norway’s Northern Lights project, we are implementing the first-ever heat recovery system on a CO₂ compressor train, enabling valuable energy reuse. For very high-volume flows, Everllence offers axial flow compressors capable of handling up to 1.5 million m³/h of CO₂. In addition, our modular compression systems significantly reduce delivery times and costs by standardizing key components while retaining process flexibility.

TURBO: How does Everllence see the carbon capture and storage market evolving over the next 5 – 10 years?

Ernst: We are convinced that CCUS will become essential pillars of global decarbonization strategies. While some projects—especially in the United States—are currently facing delays, we experience a significant amount of project requests from customers all over the world. Over the next decade, we expect a steady scale-up of commercial CCUS hubs, supported by government policies and cross-industry partnerships. Everllence is positioned to accompany this growth with the benefits of its modular CCUS compression system, global experience, and continuous innovation in CO₂ compression solutions.