Norway Launches World’s First Full-Scale Carbon Capture and Storage Project

Norway has officially launched Longship, the world’s first full-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain, marking a major milestone in global climate action. The groundbreaking initiative aims to significantly reduce industrial emissions in Norway and across Europe.

“Longship proves that cutting emissions from industry and waste is both safe and achievable. This is a technological breakthrough and a vital step in our climate efforts,” said Minister of Energy Terje Aasland in a press statement.

The project includes CO₂ capture at Heidelberg Materials’ cement plant in Brevik and a planned facility at Hafslund Celsio’s waste-to-energy plant in Oslo. Captured CO₂ will be shipped and stored 2,600 meters beneath the seabed at Øygarden, managed by Northern Lights – a joint venture between Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies.

In June, the first shipment of CO₂ from Brevik arrived at Øygarden. Storage injection is set to begin in August.

Longship is Europe’s first integrated CCS chain with open access for multiple users. Northern Lights has already signed agreements with companies in the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden. In Phase 1, it will store 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, scaling up to over 5 million tonnes in Phase 2.

The Norwegian government has invested NOK 22 billion in the project, with an estimated total cost of NOK 34 billion over ten years. The EU supports the project through €131 million in funding from the Connecting Europe Facility.

With over 25 years of CO₂ storage experience, Norway is positioning itself at the forefront of green industrial development. Longship sets a precedent for safe and effective carbon management, combining innovation with climate responsibility.

Source: regjeringen.no