The Netherlands is taking increasingly significant steps towards a carbon-neutral future. This is essential to safeguarding a liveable planet. While the transition to energy from solar, wind and other renewable sources is progressing well, it is not yet sufficient to achieve the climate targets set for 2030 and beyond. Time is of the essence. That is why carbon capture and storage (CCS) is crucial.
CCS, which stands for Carbon Capture and Storage, is an essential and effective part of the mix of measures that helps the Netherlands reduce CO2 emissions into the atmosphere. By 2030, CO2 emissions must be reduced by 60% compared with 1990 levels. For energy-intensive industries, such as the chemical sector and the production of steel and cement, transitioning to fully carbon-neutral processes before 2030 presents a major challenge. Capturing CO2 at these facilities 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. There, it is safely stored several kilometres below the seabed.
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The role of EBN
EBN plays a leading role in the development of the CCS market and in the delivery of CO2 transport and storage projects. We are one of the largest investors in Dutch CCS initiatives and act as both a project developer and business developer. We also actively develop and share knowledge within the sector, both in the Netherlands and internationally. As a result, EBN fulfils several roles.
- Advisor: EBN is closely involved in the development of CO2 storage in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. We do this in our role as advisor to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy and in support of national climate and energy policy objectives.
- Project developer and investor: EBN is one of the largest investors in CO2 transport and storage in the Netherlands and plays an important role in initiating new projects. We act as both project developer and business developer.
- Infrastructure and storage partner: EBN participates as a partner in the CO2 transport and storage projects Porthos and Aramis, as well as in more than ten other projects that enable CO2 storage beneath the North Sea.
- Knowledge partner: EBN develops and shares expertise to make CO2 transport and storage as safe, efficient and cost-effective as possible.
EBN and CO₂ transport and storage
Frequently Asked Questions about CO₂ transport and storage
CO2 (carbon dioxide) is a gas that is released through the combustion of fossil fuels and through natural processes.
The Netherlands is working towards a carbon-neutral future, but the deployment of renewable energy alone is not yet sufficient to achieve the 2030 climate targets. One way to reduce CO2 emissions is to capture, transport, and store CO2 underground. This process is known as CCS: Carbon Capture and Storage. CO2 is captured at industrial facilities and transported by pipeline or ship to a collection point, where it is prepared for storage in deep underground reservoirs beneath the Dutch sector of the North Sea.
CO2 occurs naturally in our atmosphere and is an important greenhouse gas. This means it helps retain heat in the atmosphere. Without CO2, the Earth would be too cold to support life.
However, human activities currently release so much CO2 that the natural balance is being disrupted. An excessive concentration of CO2 in the atmosphere intensifies the greenhouse effect and leads to climate change. Globally, CO2 is responsible for approximately 75% of this effect. This is mainly the result of the large-scale combustion of fossil fuels.
Too much CO₂ in the atmosphere causes climate change. That is why climate targets have been agreed upon. By 2030, CO₂ emissions in the Netherlands must be 60% lower than in 1990. For energy-intensive industries, such as the chemical sector and the production of steel and cement, however, switching to carbon-neutral processes in time is a major challenge. Capturing CO₂ from these industrial processes prevents it from being released into the atmosphere.
EBN plays an active role in advancing CO2 storage in the Dutch sector of the North Sea. As advisor to the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy, we contribute to the implementation of the Netherlands’ climate and energy policy. We collaborate with public and private partners across the CCS value chain to support the development of carbon capture and storage in the Netherlands.
EBN is a partner in the CO2 transport and storage projects Porthos and Aramis and is involved in more than ten additional projects that help make offshore CO2 storage beneath the North Sea possible. We also develop and share knowledge and expertise to support the safe and effective deployment of CO2 storage.
