Carbon Capture and Storage – European potentials in the Nordic Region
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) will be essential in achieving national and European climate targets from 2030 to 2050, and the Nordic countries can play a pivotal role. Currently, Nordic countries are at the forefront of European CCS development, as proven by several national initiatives, including CO₂ exploration and storage licenses, national CCS subsidy schemes, and a net-negative capture and storage facility.
However, the large-scale deployment of CCS technologies requires coordinated efforts, shared knowledge, and robust infrastructure. The Nordic Carbon Capture and Storage Programme supports the implementation of CCS in the region and develops collective Nordic knowledge and competencies for CCS-related issues to inform policy developments.
The purpose of the programme is to provide a strong analytical background to enable the further regional CCS development, while also laying the foundation for future Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) efforts, which are essential for replacing fossil-based products with sustainable alternatives.
Focus areas:
- Developing Nordic competence and collective knowledge on CCS.
- Supporting the development of competitive and cost-efficient cross-border CO₂ transport infrastructure.
- Analysing Nordic CO₂ storage potentials and financing mechanisms.
- Exploring environmental safety, public acceptance, and industrial carbon removal potentials.
- Assessing the costs and opportunities of direct CO₂ air capture technologies.
- Providing policy support and contributing to future EU regulatory frameworks.
These focus areas are designed to strengthen the Nordic Region’s position as a European hub for carbon management and to contribute to both national and EU climate goals. The programme also serves as a foundation for informed policy development through collective Nordic insights and expertise.
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