This paper is giving an overview of advanced technology development for CO2 compression. CO2 has a long tradition in modern industrial processes and furthermore plays an increasing role in the present discussion of the world wide climate change. Today many industrial processes require CO2 not in a gaseous but in a compressed state at a specific pressure and temperature. Since commercially operated compressors are required to have certain safety margins, conservative design approaches are usually favoured from the thermodynamic point of view. Power reductions can be achieved with a more aggressive approach and improved stage components. The significant areas of necessary R&D are identified in the presentation. Development, design, assembly and initial commissioning of a high pressure CO2Research Rig for Advanced Compressors (CORA) are presented. The key features of this test rig are pointed out. The test rig contains two compressor stages with an integrally geared design in a high pressure closed loop. The compression system is designed for a suction pressure of up to 120 bar and a discharge pressure of up to 250 bar, driven by a variable speed driver and features a high pressure shell and tube heat exchanger. Possibilities for testing are explained for the various compression system components such as impellers, variable inlet guide vanes, compressor stage components, shaft seals, heat exchanger, instrumentation, recycle valves and gearbox.