The VICCO – VISTA Centre for CO2 Storage in Volcanic-Sedimentary Systems at the Department of Geosciences will conduct research on CO2 storage, a technology that involves capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO₂) deep underground to mitigate climate change.
VICCOs research team, led by Professor of Geology Henrik H. Svensen, shall explore the potential for large-scale permanent CO2 storage in volcanic-sedimentary systems through carbonate-forming reactions.
Such a process, called carbonatization, can transform the greenhouse gas CO2 into rock and reduce the risk of leaks from reservoirs. The goal is to achieve permanent CO2 storage with minimal risk of leakage after storing carbon dioxide in the geological storage medium.
"The VICCO center's project is an example of how curiosity-driven basic research lays the foundation for applied research. The knowledge about seabed sediments, various minerals, and how gases react under different conditions has been built up over many years. From there comes the potential for the specific methods that VICCO will now develop," said President of the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (DNVA) Lise Øvreås at the opening ceremony.
VP Technology Strategy, Portfolio & Partnerships at Equinor, Tina Todnem, gave a presentation (recorded) about the importance of the center. The entire opening event was streamed online, and the presentations can now be seen on YouTube.
More about the VICCO research centre
VICCO stands for VISTA Centre for CO2 Storage in Volcanic-Sedimentary Systems. The center is located at the Department of Geosciences, University of Oslo. The centre is a five-year initiative and is funded with 25 million NOK, among other contributions, through the VISTA agreement.
The opening gathered a large audience, including representatives from the University of Oslo's rectorate, the leadership of VISTA, and the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters. Many employees from the Department of Geosciences and the Njord research centre, along with several students and guests, attended the event.
VICCO has recently launched its own website where you can find more information about the center's goals and vision, an overview of participants, partners, and other relevant details.
Read more about the VICCO centre here!
See the program for the opening event of VICCO here.
About the VISTA Funding Programme
VISTA is a program for funding basic research, financed by Equinor, and the program is carried out in close collaboration with the Norwegian Academy of Science and Letters (DNVA). VISTA allocates funds for research on issues related to the energy transition, and grants can be awarded to both scientific and social science research.
VISTA aims to develop strong and mutually beneficial collaborations between Equinor and Norwegian basic research communities.
Read more about VISTA and the funding here: Two new VISTA centres | Vista.no