Core Viewpoint - Aker Carbon Capture ASA has resolved to liquidate the company following an extraordinary general meeting held on August 5, 2025, with remaining funds to be distributed as liquidation dividends [1][5]. Group 1: Liquidation Process - The Board of Directors has prepared a liquidation balance sheet as of July 31, 2025, which has been audited and will be distributed to shareholders prior to final liquidation [2]. - The company has returned NOK 5.2 billion in cash to shareholders to date, indicating a significant return of capital prior to liquidation [5]. Group 2: Company Background - Aker Carbon Capture ASA was established in 2020, leveraging over 20 years of experience in carbon capture technology [4]. - A joint venture, SLB Capturi, was formed in June 2024, with SLB owning 80% and Aker Carbon Capture ASA indirectly owning 20% through its subsidiary [4]. - Following transactions with SLB in 2024 and Aker in May 2025, the company ceased all investment and operational activities and does not expect to resume such activities [5].

Group 1: Microsoft’s Energy Strategy - Microsoft is considering the use of natural gas with carbon capture technology to power AI data centers, contingent on commercial viability and cost competitiveness [1] - The company aims to match all its electricity consumption with carbon-free energy by 2030 and has procured over 30 gigawatts of renewable power to achieve this goal [2] - Microsoft has also engaged in nuclear power initiatives, including a deal to support the restart of the Three Mile Island plant, although significant nuclear power development in the U.S. is not expected until the 2030s [3] Group 2: Industry Trends and Challenges - Data center developers are increasingly viewing natural gas as a near-term power solution despite its carbon emissions, with the Trump administration promoting natural gas production [4] - The cost of new natural gas plants has tripled, and the timeline for building these plants extends to 2030, presenting challenges for deployment [7] - Renewable energy sources are currently more cost-effective and available compared to natural gas, with industry leaders indicating that renewables are ready to meet immediate power needs [8] Group 3: Collaborations and Future Outlook - Exxon Mobil and Chevron are entering the data center space, planning to develop natural gas plants with carbon capture technology, indicating a trend towards integrating fossil fuels with cleaner technologies [5] - Discussions are ongoing between Microsoft and various technology providers, although specific conversations with oil majors were not confirmed [6] - The focus on accelerating the construction of power plants for data centers reflects a critical need in the industry, as highlighted by industry executives [7]