Separating out CO₂ from industrial production/power generation for pumping below ground to avoid releasing it to the atmosphere is known as carbon capture and storage (CCS).

The process has three stages

  • Capture: CO₂ is separated from other gaseous components in industrial emissions or natural gas.
  • Transport: The CO₂ is liquefied through compression to simplify transport by either ship or pipeline.
  • Storage: Liquefied CO₂ is injected in formations deep beneath the seabed for permanent and secure storage, followed by monitoring to prevent leaks.

Norway has worked for many years to realise a cost-efficient solution for full-scale CO₂ management.

According the UN and the International Energy Agency (IEA), CCS will be essential for meeting climate targets as cost-efficiently as possible.

The government’s Longship project for realising full-scale carbon capture, transport and storage is named after Scandinavia’s historical Viking ships. 

It involves freighting CO₂ obtained from industrial enterprises in eastern Norway to an intermediate holding facility in Øygarden near Bergen. 

It will then be pumped through pipelines for permanent storage 2 600 metres beneath the seabed. Plans call for the project to be ready for start-up in 2025.

Long experience

Norway has more than 25 years of experience with safe carbon storage on its Sleipner and Snøhvit fields. Ranked as Europe’s only operational CCS projects, these provide valuable experience for work on future CO₂  management.

Safe storage 

Storing CO₂ underground requires a porous and permeable formation covered by an impermeable cap rock. The Norwegian Offshore Directorate (formerly the Petroleum Directorate) has created an atlas showing safe and effective storage areas on the NCS.

Regulation and supervision

Havtil regulates and supervises CO₂ transport and storage off Norway. That includes consenting to inspection wells, following up plants and handling interfaces with other government agencies.

In addition, it participates in licence awards, management bodies for project and international collaboration between regulators.  The goal is to ensure safe CO₂ storage through regulations, guidance and supervision in line with technological developments.

New areas

More companies are now launching plans for CO₂ transport and storage on the NCS, and new acreage has been awarded for such ventures after detailed assessments of safety and expertise.

When considering applications, Havtil emphasises risk management of possible existing wells in the storage complex, and whether the applicant meets award criteria – including operational experience.