Aker Solutions and Microsoft have formed a global alliance aimed at accelerating the development and execution of carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) projects by combining engineering expertise, digital technologies, AI and monitoring capabilities.

On Aker Solutions’ part, the company will work with developers, CO₂ emitters, transport and storage providers, governments and others on ways of:

• Supporting project development;
• Reducing execution risk;
• Strengthening investment readiness, including potential CDR credits; and
• Speeding up processes to enable final investment decisions (FIDs).

Microsoft will focus on relevant digital technologies, data, AI, monitoring, reporting and verification, combined with Aker Solutions' techno-economic advisory services and engineering, procurement, and construction capabilities.

As the selected CCS and CDR projects move toward FID, the two companies will look to offer developers integrated engineering and execution support, from early-stage feasibility through to operations.

“Joining forces with Microsoft, we aim to help project developers navigate complexity, strengthen business cases, and support the next wave of CCS and CDR projects,” Kjetel Digre, CEO of Aker Solutions said. 

Darryl Willis, corporate vice president of energy and resources at Microsoft, added, “Microsoft supports collaborations that look holistically across the entire value chain, connecting physical infrastructure with trusted data, AI and digital MRV to help projects reduce risk, and move from ambition to execution.”

Aker Solutions is exhibiting at booth 7180, Hall 7, at the Offshore Northern Seas (ONS) event this week in Stavanger, Norway. Aker Solutions and Microsoft will host a joint event on Tuesday, Aug. 25, at 12:45 CEST at the Aker Solutions booth.