CCUS Mid-Norway, Industrial Cluster for CO₂ Capture and Transport in Mid-Norway – Phase 2

The CLIMIT-supported project examined the potential for a shared carbon dioxide transportation and storage concept for partners in the Central Norway Carbon Capture and Storage (CCUS) cluster. The cluster plans to capture 1.5–1.7 million tonnes of CO₂ per year from a mixture of fossil and biogenic sources. These emissions originate from hard-to-abate sectors, namely industrial processes and waste incineration.

In line with the goals and tasks outlined in CLIMIT’s grant letter, the project has focused on four key work packages.

• Concept selection within transport and storage
• Utilisation opportunities for captured CO₂
• Involvement, communication and knowledge dissemination.

Actions and activities

The following were carried out within the above work packages:

• Agreement on objectives, including the development of an expected timeline for the cluster;
• Determination of available CO₂ volumes;
• Value chain focus (from temporary to permanent storage).
• Development of five CCUS concepts for Mid-Norway partners, based on different permanent storage sites and the use of local infrastructure, including ports and vessels.
• Establishment of a quantitative Excel model to analyse the costs of each concept, and to compare and optimise transport and storage.
• Development of a cluster presentation for use in various stakeholder activities.
• Holding workshops and steering group meetings to coordinate activities and results.

Results

The project confirmed that substantial investment is required for carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chains, and that the current regulatory landscape in Norway offers limited financial incentives for investment. However, it also demonstrated the benefits of cluster collaboration, such as significant cost reductions through shared, optimised transport and storage infrastructure, economies of scale in CO₂ volumes and opportunities for collective bargaining.

There is also great uncertainty surrounding the development of storage sites in Norway up to 2030, and regulatory gaps provide different incentives across sectors, failing to promote the storage of biogenic CO₂.

Seven key recommendations for Norwegian policymakers have been developed to encourage continued focus on incentives for carbon capture and storage in Norway, ensuring that climate targets are met.
These include developing financial incentives, such as subsidies or auctions, to support CCS. They should also provide long-term regulatory clarity and stability. Supporting the development of shared grids, renewable energy infrastructure and capacity is also recommended.