Exploring Norway Northern Lights CCS Project
Northern Lights Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is the world’s first open-source CO₂ transport and storage facility, offering carbon storage as a service. With its first phase launching by the end of 2024, the project aims to store 1.5 million tons of CO₂ annually, with plans to scale up to 5 million tons in the second phase. This innovative infrastructure represents a significant milestone for the future of carbon storage.
Photo by norlights.com
On June 10, 2024, Energy Academy Indonesia (ECADIN), together with PT Pertamina International Shipping led by CEO Yoki Firnandi, had the opportunity to visit Northern Lights Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Øygarden, Norway. This pioneering project—a collaboration between Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies—is paving the way for a future where carbon capture and storage could play a key role in reducing emissions on a global scale.
Cross-Border Operations: Making Carbon Storage Accessible Across Europe
One of the most remarkable aspects of Northern Lights CCS is its cross-border setup. The facility transports CO₂ from various emitters across Europe, ships it to northern Norway, and then pumps it 110 km offshore through a pipeline to a geological reservoir 2,600 meters below the seabed. The first phase is already fully booked with three major clients: Yara (Netherlands – ammonia and fertilizer plant), Ørsted (Denmark – biomass power plants), and Heidelberg Materials – Brevik (Norway – cement plant), with additional clients lined up for the second phase.
Photo by norlights.com
Government Support at Both National and Regional Levels
Northern Lights CCS has received strong backing from the Norwegian government, which has funded 80% of the €1.2 billion investment needed for Phase 1. The European Union has also recognized the project’s importance, declaring it a project of common interest and awarding it €131 million from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) fund. This support underscores the project’s role in helping achieve Europe’s climate goals and work toward a carbon-neutral economy by 2050.
International Partnerships and Collaborations
Northern Lights CCS is a true example of global teamwork. Supported by seven nations—Norway, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Netherlands, and Sweden—as well as 18 companies and 21 affiliated organizations, the project spans the entire value chain of carbon capture and storage, from CO₂ producers to technology providers. This extensive network highlights the level of cooperation required to bring such a complex project to life.
Key Takeaways for Indonesia’s Carbon Capture Journey
Making a project like Northern Lights CCS possible takes more than just technology—it requires strong project management, clear standards, effective policies, and reliable regulations. We’ve learned so much from Northern Lights and look forward to seeing how the project progresses. This model is incredibly inspiring and could hold valuable lessons for carbon capture initiatives in Indonesia.