Danish Government Grants License for CO2 Storage Exploration at Norne Thorning

In a pivotal move for environmental sustainability, the Danish government has bestowed the exploration license upon Norne Thorning Storage ApS (commonly referred to as Norne), a company under the umbrella of Fidelis New Energy, LLC. This significant development opens doors for potential CO2 storage in the Thorning geological structure located in Jutland, Denmark.

The award was officially announced by the Danish Minister of Climate, Energy, and Utilities, reflecting a committed effort from the government to pursue innovative approaches in combatting climate change. As per the plans, Norne is set to embark on an exploration program designed to gather essential data that will determine the structural integrity and suitability of the site for long-term and safe CO2 storage. This initiative is anticipated to create crucial pathways for carbon storage solutions by the year 2030, depending on the outcomes of the evaluations to be conducted.

Norne will oversee the exploration license in collaboration with Nordsøfonden, the Danish state’s representative in this project. Should the findings confirm that the structure can reliably support CO2 storage, Norne and Nordsøfonden will hold exclusive rights to apply for a comprehensive CO2 storage license, pending approval from the Danish Energy Agency (DEA). The process is thorough; not only must the license be secured, but all environmental regulations and safety protocols must also be adhered to before the initiation of any storage operations.

“A well-defined exploration program is crucial for understanding the deep geological formations and their potential to safely and permanently house CO2,” stated Lars Bo Christiansen, President of Norne Climate Impact. The exploration efforts will include a combination of high-tech seismic surveys and minimal-impact aerial reconnaissance to ascertain the geological capabilities of the Thorning site. The utilization of advanced technology is coupled with the extensive experience of partners such as Ross, a firm that excels in subsurface engineering across Denmark.

For Norne, the approval of the Thorning exploration license is more than just a regulatory milestone; it symbolizes a collaborative venture intended to fulfill Denmark's carbon reduction ambitions. Since its inception in 2021, Norne has received backing from Fidelis New Energy and was highlighted as an EU Project of Common Interest by the European Commission in 2023. With the addition of the Thorning structure, Denmark positions itself as a forerunner in the quest for carbon neutrality while simultaneously supporting industries that face challenges in emissions reduction.

Bengt Järlsjö, Co-Founder and President of Fidelis New Energy, expressed enthusiasm for the collaboration with the DEA and Nordsøfonden, stating, “We anticipate uncovering the potential for robust CO2 storage in the Danish subsurface. This initiative emphasizes Denmark's role in championing decarbonization efforts that will significantly aid both local and broader European industries in compliance with carbon reduction practices.”

Norne's discussions with various entities within the energy sector highlight the necessity of effective CO2 storage solutions across both Danish and EU industries. The expected infrastructure will not only lower the expenses associated with carbon capture initiatives but will also mitigate environmental repercussions. With access to multiple CO2 delivery methods, including a terminal for receiving CO2 at the Port of Aalborg, Norne aims to enhance the logistics of carbon management efficiently.

As part of the broader Norne Carbon Storage Hub, the project will consist of comprehensive facilities designed to ensure the secure and permanent storage of CO2 from both biological sources and hard-to-abate industries such as cement manufacturing. The goal is to serve a diverse range of emitters throughout Denmark and Europe, offering them the opportunity to comply with stringent carbon reduction standards.

Nordsøfonden, the Danish state’s subsurface resource company, plays a crucial role in this endeavor, providing resources and oversight for the productive and responsible utilization of Denmark’s geological assets to aid both energy security and emissions reduction goals. The positive impact of this initiative could transcend beyond Denmark, contributing meaningfully to the European Union's collective objectives to diminish greenhouse gas emissions.

The exploration of CO2 storage in Denmark is not just a technical task; it represents an essential piece of the global puzzle in ensuring a sustainable future for the planet. As the project teams kick off these essential explorations, the world will be watching closely to see how Denmark continues to pave the way in innovative climate action practices.