Responsible carbon storage
The Netherlands is taking increasingly significant steps towards a carbon-neutral future. The transition to energy from solar, wind and other renewable sources is progressing well. However, on its own, it will not be enough to achieve the climate targets set for 2030. Time is of the essence. That is why capturing and storing CO2 beneath the seabed is crucial. This is commonly referred to as CCS, which stands for Carbon Capture and Storage.
CCS is an essential and effective part of the package of measures that helps the Netherlands reduce CO2 emissions in the atmosphere. By 2030, CO2 emissions must be 60% lower than in 1990. For energy-intensive industries, such as the chemical sector and the production of steel and cement, transitioning to carbon-neutral processes before 2030 is a major challenge. Capturing CO2 from these industrial processes prevents it from being released into the atmosphere.
The captured CO2 is then transported by pipeline or ship to depleted gas fields beneath the North Sea, where it is stored safely and securely.
The application of CCS is a logical step, and EBN’s involvement in the development of CO2 transport infrastructure and safe storage solutions is equally self-evident. In addition to our role as advisor to the Ministry of Climate and Green Growth, we have a public task in supporting the implementation of Dutch climate and energy policy.
Our contribution to projects such as Porthos and Aramis, as well as several offshore storage projects in the North Sea, is part of that responsibility. We participate, invest and help drive the energy transition forward. Together, these initiatives have the potential to reduce emissions by more than 7.5 million tonnes of CO2 per year.
Porthos and Aramis are public-private partnerships in which EBN plays an active and connecting role between government and industry. In addition to being an important stakeholder, we also facilitate knowledge sharing. The successful and timely development of new technologies and markets depends on access to high-quality knowledge and expertise. That is why we develop, gather and share knowledge with all parties involved in CO2 storage.
By working closely with our partners, we are helping to accelerate progress towards our shared goals: a 60% reduction in CO2 emissions by 2030 and a carbon-neutral Netherlands by 2050.