The purpose of CIRCLE is to develop climate-friendly and energy-efficient CO₂ management solutions. This will be achieved through innovative approaches that enable the handling of CO₂ across the quay in Port of Hirtshals with the lowest possible carbon footprint, leveraging sector coupling within an integrated smart energy system.

The project aims to develop solutions that support the establishment of a CO₂ terminal in Port of Hirtshals, where CO₂ captured from industrial sources can be aggregated and transported for permanent geological storage. This enables the permanent removal of CO₂ emissions, reducing their impact on the climate.

CIRCLE develops models and solutions that facilitate the future deployment of a CO₂ terminal by creating the optimal framework conditions for its operation, both economically and environmentally.

The project represents an important step towards establishing a commercially viable and sustainable CCUS infrastructure, while supporting Denmark’s ambition to become a leading European hub for CO₂ capture, transport, storage, and utilization.

THE CHALLENGE

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is designed to reduce atmospheric CO₂ emissions by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial facilities and storing it permanently underground. While CCS can significantly reduce direct emissions, the handling and transport of captured CO₂ may also result in environmental impacts.

Following capture, CO₂ passes through several stages before reaching its final storage destination. These include transportation to intermediate storage facilities, unloading into storage tanks, compression, and transfer for onward transport to permanent geological storage. Each of these processes requires energy for pumping, cooling, pressurization, and maintaining appropriate storage conditions.

If energy for these stages is supplied by fossil fuels, the CO₂ management chain itself generates greenhouse gas emissions, reducing the overall climate benefit of CCS. The environmental performance of CCS therefore depends heavily on ensuring that the capture, handling, and transport processes are powered by low-carbon energy sources.

THE SOLUTION

Building on the extensive work already carried out around Port of Hirtshals as a CO₂ hub, including the Greenport Scandinavia project, CIRCLE will develop models and solutions that support the establishment of a future CO₂ terminal.

The project focuses on

• Energy efficiency
• The lowest possible CO₂ footprint per tonne of CO₂ handled across the quay in Port of Hirtshals
• Integration of renewable energy and reuse of surplus energy
• A strong knowledge base, including the development of an LCA model to calculate the climate footprint per tonne of CO₂ handled

CIRCLE approaches CCUS as part of a broader energy and infrastructure ecosystem, where efficient integration across the value chain is essential to achieving climate and economic benefits.

As part of the funding grant, DKK 1 million has been allocated to screening local companies with the potential to use CO₂ and participate in the local CCUS ecosystem and related value chains.

THE EFFECT

The project’s results will help demonstrate that Port of Hirtshals is the most attractive and competitive location for the delivery of CO₂ destined for permanent geological storage, and will strengthen the port’s position as a key hub in future green industrial value chains.

At the same time, the project supports Port of Hirtshals’ ambition to advance circular solutions. A central objective is to enable the future utilisation of surplus resources, including heat, cooling and water, across businesses operating within the port area, thereby increasing resource efficiency and creating additional value from CO₂ management activities.

The project also contributes to regional business development through dedicated support for local companies with the potential to utilise CO₂ and become part of the emerging CCUS ecosystem and related value chains.

Nordjylland har en ambition om at positionere sig som en international foregangsregion inden for fremtidens grønne erhverv ved at udvikle, integrere og anvende nye grønne teknologier. Målet er både at demonstrere de betydelige klimagevinster og skabe vækst samt nye beskæftigelsesmuligheder. Projektets resultater i form af modeller og løsninger til at skabe de bedst mulige rammebetingelser for en CO₂-terminal, herunder LCA-værktøjet, vil bidrage til at understøtte udviklingen af bæredygtige CCUS-værdikæder og herigennem Nordjyllands position som foregangsregion og Danmarks position som ledende europæisk CO₂-hub.

North Jutland has set an ambitious goal of positioning itself as an international frontrunner in the green industries of the future through the development, integration, and deployment of new sustainable technologies. The ambition is not only to deliver significant climate benefits, but also to drive economic growth and create new employment opportunities. By developing models and solutions that create the optimal framework conditions for a future CO₂ terminal, including an LCA tool for assessing climate performance, the project will support the development of sustainable CCUS value chains. In doing so, it will strengthen North Jutland’s position as a leading green innovation region and support Denmark’s ambition to become a leading European CO₂ hub.

The achievement of both Danish and European climate targets will depend to a significant extent on the successful deployment of CCUS. Through the development of solutions and models for climate-friendly and energy-efficient CO₂ management, the project will contribute directly to advancing these objectives.