Greenport Scandinavia supports the goal of reducing the EU’s CO2 emissions by at least 55% by 2030 and works to limit global warming to 1.5°C in line with the Paris Agreement (COP21).

Port of Hirtshals is advantageously located in relation to future geological CO2 storage and the goal is to create one of Europe’s largest hubs for reception and redistribution of CO2 for onshore storage in Denmark and offshore storage along the northwest coast and in the North Sea.

From 1 September 2023 to 28 February 2025 the project was co-financed by the European Union through a grant from the Just Transition Fund.

THE CHALLENGE

Experts emphasize that achieving the climate goals will require large-scale solutions for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). Denmark has the potential to become a key player in this field with a market share of up to 10% of Europe’s CO₂ storage market. This opportunity could drive significant economic growth and generate thousands of new jobs.

THE SOLUTION

Greenport Scandinavia aims to establish a CO2 handling facility in Port of Hirtshals. As a result of the preliminary work in the project, the location for a future CO2 terminal has been determined, and thus the foundation for connecting the hub in Port of Hirtshals with future CO2 storage sites, which are expected to be in operation from 2030 onwards.

The next step is to confirm the feasibility of underground CO₂ storage at the designated sites. Geological studies are currently underway, and storage operators are expected to make final assessments by 2026-2027. At the same time, efforts are ongoing to develop the business model and organizational structure for the CO₂ hub.

IMPACT

The project will create new value chains for CO2 management and contribute to the development of local skills and jobs. At the same time, it will help develop a solid foundation for future investments in large-scale CCUS solutions.

FURTHER information
Click here to read more about the project on the Greenport Scandinavia website