#Denmark #Copenhagen #Norne Thorning #CO2 Storage

Danish Government Grants License to Norne Thorning Storage

On April 11, 2025, the Danish government officially bestowed an exploration license upon Norne Thorning Storage ApS, a branch of Fidelis New Energy, LLC. This license allows the company to evaluate the potential of the Thorning geological structure for safe and permanent CO2 storage in Jutland.

Norne plans to initiate its exploration program shortly, collecting crucial data to assess whether the geological formation is suitable for CO2 storage. Should the analysis affirm its viability, it could pave the way for CO2 storage operations ahead of the 2030 target date.

The exploration effort at Thorning will be a collaborative venture between Norne and its joint venture partner, Nordsøfonden, which acts on behalf of the Danish state. If the geological assessments confirm the structure's capability for secure CO2 storage, Norne and Nordsøfonden will hold exclusive rights to apply for a CO2 storage license, pending approval from the Danish Energy Agency (DEA). Additionally, all relevant environmental permits and financial security standards must be met before any construction of storage facilities can begin.

Lars Bo Christiansen, President of Norne Climate Impact, emphasized the careful design of the exploration program. The initiative aims to develop an extensive understanding of the subsurface geological structures and their potential for CO2 containment. Norne's exclusive partner for subsurface operations and drilling, Ross, has over three decades of expertise with the Danish underground, playing a vital role in the planning of this initiative. The undertaking includes minimal-impact seismic sensor surveys, comprehensive 3D seismic investigations, and exploratory drilling.

The issuance of the exploration license marks a significant milestone for Norne, which has been proactive since its establishment in 2021 under the support of Fidelis New Energy, LLC. In 2023, the European Commission recognized the project as an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI). Expanding Norne's operations to include the Thorning structure is set to bring Denmark and the European Union closer to achieving ambitious decarbonization objectives, offering integrated solutions for industries facing significant challenges in reducing CO2 emissions.

Bengt Järlsjö, Co-founder and President of Fidelis New Energy, expressed enthusiasm for working alongside the DEA and Nordsøfonden to explore the Danish subsurface for CO2 storage opportunities. The approval underscores Denmark's leadership in decarbonization efforts and supports both Danish and European industries in significantly lowering CO2 levels.

Since 2021, Norne has actively engaged with the Danish government, local authorities, the port of Aalborg, and industry partners to promote safe and effective carbon capture and storage solutions. Norne aims to establish an efficient and affordable infrastructure for CO2 storage across Denmark and Europe.

The exploration and potential development of geological CO2 storage are deemed essential for Denmark to meet its carbon reduction targets for 2030 and beyond. Norne's extensive discussions with industry stakeholders indicate a path for significantly reducing the costs and environmental impacts associated with carbon reductions in Denmark, as both Danish and EU emitters may utilize the facilities.

Norne aims to accept various types of CO2 inputs to the Thorning site, including establishing a CO2 reception terminal at the port of Aalborg for emissions from both Danish and Baltic European sources.

About Norne

Norne, also known as the Norne Carbon Storage Hub, encompasses CO2 reception facilities, pipelines, and storage units designed for the secure and permanent containment of biogenic CO2 and emissions from hard-to-decarbonize sectors, such as cement manufacturing. The company's objective is to capture and store CO2 from Danish and European industries that lack alternatives to carbon capture and storage for reducing emissions. For additional information, visit Norne CCS.

About Nordsøfonden

Nordsøfonden is Denmark's government-owned resource company tasked with optimizing the potential of Danish resources for the benefit of society. It focuses on two pillars: promoting oil and gas extraction for energy security and acting as the governmental participant in all licenses for underground carbon storage, working toward reducing atmospheric emissions. Find out more at Nordsøfonden.

About Fidelis

Fidelis is an energy infrastructure company advancing decarbonization through the development of infrastructures for low or negative carbon intensity products and carbon capture and storage. Utilizing proprietary technologies, Fidelis addresses climate and energy security challenges. The headquarters is located in Houston, with a European office in Copenhagen, Denmark. For more details, visit Fidelis Infra.

About Ross Energy

Ross Energy is a Danish company with 30 years of experience in well management and subsurface operations. It successfully executes drilling and management projects across Denmark and Northern Europe, including carbon storage initiatives. Ross applies its oil and gas expertise to geothermal and CCS projects, contributing to risk reduction and the development of sustainable energy solutions. Their end-to-end services facilitate safe operations and broader green transformations. Additional information can be found at Ross Energy.