#Denmark #Aalborg #CO2 Storage #Norne

Norne and Port of Aalborg Form Historic Partnership

In a significant step toward enhancing carbon management in Europe, Norne and the Port of Aalborg have signed a comprehensive 30-year agreement to establish the Norne Carbon Storage Hub. This ambitious project is backed by a grant from the European Union’s Connecting Europe Facility (CEF), demonstrating strong support for the development of critical energy infrastructure designed to tackle climate change.

The collaboration began in 2021 when Norne, a subsidiary of Fidelis New Energy, LLC, and the Port of Aalborg initiated an exclusive partnership. Their joint efforts focus on constructing a CO2 reception facility aimed at processing 15 million tonnes of CO2 annually. This facility is not only pivotal for Denmark but also for the entire European Union, as it paves the way for scale economies in carbon capture and storage, thus accelerating the transition to a greener economy.

Project Overview

dThe new facility will be strategically located at the Port of Aalborg, which is recognized as a key logistics hub in Denmark. The construction will include a 500-meter quay, spanning approximately 60,000 square meters, and will incorporate infrastructure necessary for CO2 reception and connection to nearby storage sites.

Norne has already completed its front-end engineering and design (FEED) studies, laying a solid technical foundation for the project. Comprehensive environmental assessments have also been conducted, ensuring that the site adheres to stringent ecological standards, a critical factor in obtaining the Project of Common Interest (PCI) designation from the European Union in 2023. This status not only streamlines the permitting process but also underscores the project’s importance as a severe national priority.

The Role of EU Funding

The CEF grant will be instrumental in co-financing the construction of the new quay, signaling the European Union’s commitment to fostering cross-border energy networks. By supporting such initiatives, the EU is working to create an integrated management system for greenhouse gases that can be replicated across the continent.

Norne’s CEO, Lars Bo Christiansen, expressed his enthusiasm about the progress made since 2021, stating, "This collaboration positions the Port of Aalborg as a vital CO2 hub, facilitating economical and safe storage solutions for the onshore and nearshore CO2 needs of industries. We see this work as a significant factor in the sustainable development of the Port."

Looking Ahead

As construction commences, Norne is focused on expanding its capacity beyond the initial 15 million tonnes per year. The strategic plan anticipates attracting new industrial projects that require decarbonization solutions. By creating a state-of-the-art storage hub, Norne is well-positioned to meet the growing demand for sustainable carbon management.

Kristian Thulesen Dahl, CEO of the Port of Aalborg, also noted the importance of this partnership in attracting new industries seeking carbon reduction services. "We aim to leverage our collaboration with Norne as a distinguishing feature of the Port of Aalborg, increasing our relevance in the EU's drive toward decarbonization."

About Norne and Port of Aalborg

The Norne Carbon Storage Hub is designed to provide reliable CO2 storage solutions, connecting Danish emitters with low-cost storage capabilities. Operating under the umbrella of Fidelis New Energy, the initiative showcases innovative technologies aimed at reducing carbon emissions across Europe.

The Port of Aalborg stands out as a logistics center that prioritizes sustainability and innovation, with comprehensive services poised to support the shift toward greener energy solutions. For more information, visit Norne and Port of Aalborg.