Longship is a national investment with global significance – demonstrating how government, industry, and the research community can work together to realise future solutions.

From Vision to Reality

Longship’s story is deeply tied to the development of Gassnova. This year marks twenty years since Gassnova was established as the state’s enterprise for CO₂ management, founded in response to an energy supply crisis, the gas-fired power plants at Kårstø and Mongstad, and growing concern over their emissions. There was also a growing recognition that continued fossil energy use without carbon capture would be incompatible with international climate obligations.

Gassnova was given a clear mandate: to develop, demonstrate and mature CCS technology to reduce costs and risks, allowing private actors to take the lead in the future. For years, Gassnova and the Research Council of Norway supported technological development through the CLIMIT programme, closely monitoring both national and international pilot projects. Yet one thing was missing: a full-scale demonstration facility covering the entire value chain from capture to storage. With Longship, that missing piece became a reality.

Within the Longship project, Gassnova represents the government’s interests during planning, construction and operations. The enterprise also holds an additional responsibility: to ensure lessons from the project are shared widely. Together with the Ministry of Energy and the industrial partners, Gassnova’s efforts have helped make Longship an international reference project for CCS.

The development of CCS technologies also has a strong foundation at Mongstad. The Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) is one of the world’s leading CO₂ capture test facilities. TCM was established with support from the Norwegian state, Equinor, Shell and TotalEnergies. For more than a decade, the centre has delivered crucial insight into efficiency, safety, and cost drivers in the capture process. These insights were a key part of the technology choices made in Longship.

The Parliamentary Decision

In 2021, the Norwegian Parliament voted to finance Longship with broad political support. It was clear that the state would need to shoulder a substantial share of the cost. This was not just a technological undertaking—it was a strategically important climate measure.

Longship was structured as a value chain comprising three main elements: Brevik CCS, operated by Heidelberg Materials; Oslo CCS, led by Hafslund Celsio; and Northern Lights, a joint transport and storage company established by Equinor, Shell, and TotalEnergies. The state entered into separate agreements with Heidelberg Materials and the Northern Lights joint venture for investment and operations. Oslo CCS received its support later in the process.

Three Major Projects

The Northern Lights project has been a breakthrough. In Øygarden, a fully developed reception terminal with port infrastructure and CO₂ tanks has been completed. It will receive liquid CO₂ from the capture plants and inject it into subsea reservoirs beneath the North Sea. With Northern Lights, the infrastructure is in place for future growth and for exporting CO₂ storage services to Europe. Recently, the Ministry of Energy approved Phase 2 of the project, which will increase the transport and storage capacity from 1.5 million to at least 5 million tonnes of CO₂ per year. This phase involves expanding the onshore facilities at Øygarden and increasing the number of offshore injection wells from two to four.

In Brevik, Heidelberg Materials has built the world’s first carbon capture plant at an operating cement facility. It will capture 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually from cement production. The plant is fully integrated into the daily operations of the factory and provides valuable knowledge on safety, energy optimisation, and full-scale operations.

Oslo CCS plans to capture 400,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually from the waste-to-energy plant at Klemetsrud. This project sends an important signal to major cities around the world: that even urban emission sources can eliminate their CO₂ and contribute to net-zero targets. All three projects have faced different technical and financial challenges. That is, in fact, the essence of a demonstration project. Risks must be identified, addressed and reduced so that future players will face lower thresholds for investing in CCS.

Collaboration Makes Longship Possible

Longship is defined by a close and structured collaboration between industry, government, and academia—a typically Norwegian model that has proven resilient in climate work. Industry’s willingness to invest, the state’s capacity to provide support, and the role of researchers in analysing and documenting the process are the cornerstones of Longship. In addition, Norway’s highly skilled technology environments have followed the project closely with a research-oriented focus.

Longship as a Global Learning Arena

Longship is more than a Norwegian industrial project. It is a demonstration project for the world. For Europe, it is a real climate project that enables emissions cuts in heavy industry. This makes Longship unique.

Combined with the test results and experience from TCM, Norway has developed a CCS value chain that is not only operational but also exportable. Together, Longship and TCM represent a unique platform for further international learning and cooperation.

From a global perspective, Longship demonstrates that CCS is a real and available climate measure. Reducing emissions in heavy industry, energy, and waste incineration cannot be solved through electrification or hydrogen alone. CCS will be an essential part of the climate toolbox – and Longship proves that it is achievable.

Gassnova has published a number of technical and regulatory learning reports. These reports are open and accessible to all future CCS projects, both in Norway and internationally.

What Now?

Longship is operational. The real work can begin. Several European industrial companies have already signed agreements with Northern Lights to deliver CO₂ to the Øygarden terminal. With advantages in geology, technology and political experience, Norway is now playing a global role in the development of CO₂ storage – just as it once did in the development of oil and gas in the 1970s.

Longship is more than a project. It is a roadmap. It is the proof that industrialised countries can take climate commitments seriously without dismantling their own industries. With Longship, Norway takes on an important role in helping the world reach its climate goals. According to the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, CCS projects like Longship are essential for achieving global emission reductions.

The Longship has set sail.

Thomas Skadal joins from his position as CEO of Biozin Holding, which he has led for nearly seven years. Prior to this, Thomas held various positions at ExxonMobil, both nationally and internationally, over a span of 20 years.

Experienced leader from the energy sector

– We are very pleased to have Thomas on board. He brings extensive experience from the energy sector, with a background in environments closely aligned with Gassnova’s areas of operation. Thomas is also the kind of leader who can guide the knowledge-based organization Gassnova in the direction we envision. We are entering a very exciting phase of development for the company and a crucial period for CCS, says Trond Moengen, Chairman of the Board at Gassnova SF.

Before joining Biozin Holding AS, Thomas had a long career at ExxonMobil, holding various leadership positions both in Norway and internationally. His experience spans from refinery operations to international trading and business development.

At Biozin Holding, Thomas led the company through an extensive development phase, where the Biozin project in Åmli became the first Norwegian project to receive funding from the EU Innovation Fund. He also played a key role in negotiations when Equinor joined as a new partner in the company in 2023.

Combined with a master’s degree in finance from the Norwegian School of Economics and a background in the Armed Forces, Thomas Skadal possesses strong professional and strategic expertise that Gassnova will benefit from in the years ahead.

Close and strong collaboration

Thomas looks forward to starting at Gassnova on May 1st. – Taking on this leadership role allows me to become part of a highly competent knowledge environment for CO₂ management, also on a global scale. This provides the best foundation for the launch of the Longship project, in close collaboration with industry players and in alignment with the expectations of the Ministry of Energy. I look forward to working closely with the board, the ministry, and the employees as we continue to develop Gassnova together.

Thomas Skadal replaces Morten Henriksen, who has chosen to pursue new opportunities outside the company.

The resignation is due to family circumstances and a commuting situation that has become too difficult. Morten has therefore decided to prioritise his family.

“Morten has done a very good job at Gassnova during his time here. The Board greatly appreciates the work Morten has done and believes that the company is developing well and is well equipped to play an important role in the further development and deployment of CCS in Norway. We are also pleased that Morten, together with the rest of management and the board, will continue the good work until his departure,” says Chairman Trond Moengen.

The Board is now starting the recruitment process with the aim of having a new CEO in place at Gassnova when Morten is due to step down in March 2025.

This MoU will legalize the transnational shipment of CO₂ for storage within the territories of the involved countries. Previously, cross-border transport of CO₂ for storage was not permitted. Reversing this is critically important in the development of the Longship project.

– We have always had strong believe in Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, Denmark, and Sweden would reach an agreement on CO₂ transport for storage, regardless of the borders between the countries. With this, another barrier has been cleared, allowing CO₂ to find its way to the storage facilities on the Norwegian shelf. This also highlights the importance of Longship as a demonstration project and the renewed interest in CO₂ management as a climate solution in Europe – says Aslak Viumdal, senior advisor at Gassnova and responsible for benefits realization in the Longship project.

In a statement from the Norwegian Ministry of Energy, Minister Terje Aasland emphasizes the agreement as important for the climate, Norway’s attention to the energy sector, and the country’s focus on CCS.

A proposal for how the project can be implemented has been prepared in collaboration between a number of key actors within the Norwegian policy instrument framework – Innovation Norway, the Research Council of Norway, Siva, Eksfin, DOGA, Enova and Gassnova.

The policy instrument actors have committed to the work of classifying and reporting on green projects. This effort is not only a response to the government’s mandate but also an expansion of the existing cooperation to promote green growth. Through close dialogue with the NFD, which acts as a coordinator among relevant departments, it is ensured that the project is developed in harmony with the overarching goals for the environment and climate.

Three ministries are central

Ministries such as the Ministry of Climate and Environment (KLD), the Ministry of Education and Research (KD), and the Ministry of Energy (ED) play key roles in this process – through their ownership and management of respective entities such as Enova, the Research Council and Gassnova.

Starting this year, the actors will implement a classification of projects assumed to have a positive effect on climate and the environment, based on six environmental categories. This includes a commitment to develop a guide for green project classification and reporting, which will facilitate case handling and ensure involvement of relevant departments in an appropriate manner.

The further development of the reporting solution will also focus on the “do no significant harm” principle, which lays the groundwork for a differentiated assessment of the projects. There is a push for a dynamic development of the reporting system, which can be adjusted based on experiences and general development within the field. 

Norway takes the lead

In a time when climate change poses one of the greatest challenges for global sustainability, Norway takes the lead with this new initiative. The core is to promote sustainable growth through a systematic approach to project categorization based on environmental impact. By providing detailed statistical data and clear guidance for environmental categorization, the aim is to enhance project developers’ ability to carry out measures that are both innovative and environmentally friendly. This occurs in line with the EU taxonomy for sustainable economic activity – ensuring Norwegian projects to meet not only local but also international sustainability standards.

Challenges and solutions

One of the biggest challenges in the implementation of green project classification is the complexity related to evaluating projects’ environmental impact. Therefore, simplified assessment criteria are proposed balancing the need for thorough environmental assessments against the feasibility of the projects. This will ease the burden on project developers while simultaneously improving the availability and quality of environmental data for the public and decision-makers.

A differentiated system ensures that projects of various scales and nature can meet sustainability requirements without being overwhelmed by the complexity of reporting requirements.

The way forward

To ensure that progress and experiences are shared, the policy instrument actors will report to the NFD by the end of May this year, with a status update on the implementation of classification and reporting. This will be followed by an evaluation to measure the effectiveness and impact of the measures, forming the basis for decisions and adjustments in the work going forward.

 

SHAPE project

Surface uplift is measured with millimeter precision by surveying or satellite monitoring (InSAR, GPS). When the surface rises, there is room for more CO₂. In the Algerian Sahara, surface uplift around CO₂ injection wells has been linked to stress changes in the rocks above the reservoir. At sea, measurements of water pressure on the seabed can provide similarly high precision. SHAPE is the acronym for this technology. The SHAPE project focuses on dynamic storage capacity, distribution of CO₂ in the reservoir, unwanted fracturing, and injection outside the desired zone. More results will be available in autumn 2024. Stay tuned!

Better equipped

Factors such as station stability, network design, sensor behavior, tides and other oceanographic variations affect accuracy. By analyzing a large data set from the Troll field. Some corrections have been improved and some sources of error have been isolated. The pressure drops and compaction of the rock as a result of gas production is the opposite of what is expected with CO₂ injection. But the measurement method is the same. Probably also the elastic properties of the reservoir rock. Different uncertainties described make it easier to predict detection limits when planning monitoring projects.

Troll&Aurora

The project has analyzed data from about 100 stations over the Troll field in the period 2000 to 2017. The seabed in this area has been sinking at an average rate of almost one centimeter per year. During this period. The North Sea has received about four million cubic meters more seawater because of gas production at Troll.

The errors within each series of measurements have a standard deviation of 2-3 millimeters. Some of the measurement foundations have moved in relation to the ground. The fact that the reference level for depth is floating (sea level) adds to the uncertainty.

Based on the subsidence data and the pressure drop measured in the wells. The project can estimate the pressure drop in the water-filled formations below and to the side of the gas reservoir. In addition, the properties measured in the Cook and Johansen formations in well 31/5-7 southwest of Troll (Northern Lights’ Aurora CO₂ storage site) are used to estimate that the seabed above Aurora can rise by 10 centimeters or more even at moderate injection pressures.

Implications for future CCS projects

Such monitoring may be valuable for future CO₂ injection. A resolution in the conversion of uplift to reservoir pressure of perhaps 1-2 bar can be valuable in verifying flow models. For example, it can help to locate pressure barriers in relation to an injection well and thus be used to control the injection rate.

Mature enough to monitor CO₂ injection

– The project would never have got off the ground without the support from the CLIMIT programme. The measurement technology would have existed, but without these improvements it would not have been targeted at CO₂ injection and storage,” says Ola Eiken at Quad Geometrics.

He goes on to say that the technology for measuring seabed uplift is now mature enough to monitor CO₂ injection. “A remaining bottleneck is practical experience and analysis tools (software) to link observations and modelling of pressure changes in the reservoir.”

Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Climate Action Dr. Robert Habeck is proposing political measures to carbon capture and storage (CCS) and carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies can be utilised in the future. This is according to a proposal issued by the Bundesministerium für Wirtschaft und Klimaschinistry on Monday 26 February. Habeck’s view is conveyed through a CO₂ management strategy. Together with a proposal to amend the law on CO₂ storage. This complements today’s other climate measures and will enable Germany to meet its climate targets and the EU’s recently proposed 2040 target.

An all-encompassing plan

Germany’s climate plan is not limited to the implementation of CCS and CCU, on the contrary, Germany is facilitating a range of other measures. Germany has a comprehensive plan that includes developing renewable energy, developing a hydrogen economy, phasing out fossil fuels, improving energy efficiency and promoting the circular economy.

Germany in close dialogue with Norway

In recent years, German government officials, public bodies and companies have made several study tours to Norway. Therfore to learn from the experience of developing the Longship project. Gassnova, among others, has contributed with planning and technical input. In 2022, Habeck visited Heidelberg Materials’ cement plant in Brevik, which is one of the key players in the Langskip project.

Without compromising industrial competitiveness

The German initiative is an important step towards tackling industrial CO₂ emissions. That are difficult or impossible to avoid. The strategic focus on CCS and CCU for industrial processes, such as cement production and waste incineration. By capturing and storing CO₂. Germany can move closer to its goal of climate neutrality without sacrificing industrial capacity or competitiveness.

Germany’s plan emphasises responsibility for the environment and promotes technological solutions. By excluding marine protected areas from offshore storage of CO₂. Germany is taking a stand to balance industrial needs with its marine considerations. The measure signals a willingness to protect the climate and to set strict requirements for the use of climate measures. These include ensuring that CO₂ can only be stored in geologically suitable areas without the risk of leakage or damage. It also allows for the cross-border transport of CO₂ for permanent storage, reflecting both Germany’s limited storage capacity and the fact that the country is looking beyond its own borders for storage solutions.

LCA enables decision-makers in industry and other sectors to assess the environmental and climate footprint of products and services before they are used or implemented.

Further LCA can also be used to assess the environmental and resource efficiency of different ways of managing waste resources and emissions such as CO₂. It also plays a key role in assessing whether a value chain can be considered carbon neutral or whether it contributes to carbon removal (CDR).

Need for harmonisation of LCA

“The literature clearly shows that there is a need for international harmonisation of LCA. In the field of carbon capture, use and storage. This is particularly true for the documentation of avoided and negative emissions. And the choice of system boundaries. The choice between extended system boundaries and the distribution of burdens and benefits among different actors in the value chain requires careful consideration. Both approaches have advantages and disadvantages”, says Hanne Lerche Raadal from the Norwegian Institute for Sustainability Research (NORSUS. Adding that “physical equalisation or mass balancing is also an important issue”.

LCA methods are an important focus of the international Mission Innovation Carbon Dioxide Removal (MI CDR) collaboration. Launched by Barak Obama during the UN Climate Change Conference in Paris 2015 (COP21). Mission Innovation is an international ministerial-level collaboration. The CDR mission was launched by Mission Innovation at COP 26. The Ministry of Energy is responsible for Norway’s participation in Mission Innovation. Gassnova continues this work on behalf of the Ministry of Energy.

LCA project with link to Mission Innovation

In January this year, NORSUS and its partners received funding from CLIMIT-Demo for the project: “Development of LCA methodology for documentation of negative emissions and allocation of burdens and benefits in CCUS value chains“. “The project will be an important Norwegian contribution to the LCA work of Mission Innovation CDR. Where Norway and Japan (METI) are leading the CDR within Biomass and Storage (BiCRS)”, says Senior Advisor at Gassnova, Jørild Svalestuen. To ensure broad experience and professional insight. Therefor the project includes a reference group of international LCA experts who will follow and contribute to the work.

NORSUS is one of Europe’s leading LCA research centres. For several decades they have been working with circular economy and the mapping of environmental and resource efficiency using LCA.

The project has solid industrial partners represented by Borregaard AS, Carbon Centric AS, FREVAR KF, Hafslund Oslo Celsio AS, Heidelberg Materials Sement Norge AS, Returkraft AS and Statkraft Varme AS.

New targets from the European Commision

The European Commision has committed to a target of ‘net zero’CO₂ emissions by 2050. This will require a significant reduction in emissions in the coming years. In addition to the development and implementation of technologies for the capture and storage or use of CO₂. This is particularly targeted at sectors where reducing CO₂ emissions is difficult or costly.

European Commission has presented a strategy on industrial carbon management. The strategy will be important for how different CO₂ management solutions (CCS, CCU and CDR) can contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions in the EU. And achieving climate neutrality by 2050. “The EU is proposing that government and industry strengthen their cooperation on carbon management,” says Aslak Viumdal, Senior Advisor, Strategy and Business Development at Gassnova.

Increased CO₂ Storage Capacity

In the “Net-Zero Industry Act“, the European Commission has decided, among other things, to require oil and gas producers in the EU. To develop at least 50 million tonnes of CO2storage capacity per year by 2030. Based on the recommended EU climate target for 2040. This capacity will need to increase significantly in the future.

The EU’s approach to industrial CO₂ management involves a series of measures. This will enable rollout of technology and infrastructure to establish a common market for CO₂ in Europe in the coming years. As part of the strategy. The European Commission will prepare for possible regulation of transport and storage services for CO₂. This could potentially cover areas such as market and cost structures, third-party access, standards for CO₂ quality. And investment incentives for new infrastructure.

The EU Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC) in addition published a report on the future CO₂ transport network in Europe, and related investment needs.

Storage Atlas suggested by the European Commision

To help scale up the CCS market, the European Commission will develop guidelines for project permitting and an atlas of potential storage sites in Europe. It will also work with Member States to develop a platform to map and aggregate demand for CO₂ infrastructure services. This will be matched with transport and storage operators or CO₂ receivers. The Commission aims to establish a carbon account with a clear framework for the use of captured CO₂ as a resource for sustainable industry.

Incentivews

To create a solid foundation for a CO₂ value chain within the EU, the Commission is considering several incentives:

• Investment and financing: The EU and Member States will support industrial carbon capture projects through their energy infrastructure programmes. The Commission is considering whether some carbon capture projects can already be supported by market-based financing mechanisms, such as the Innovation Fund.
• Research, innovation and awareness-raising: The Commission is considering increasing funding for research and innovation on industrial CCS through existing programmes. In particular, Horizon Europe and the Innovation Fund. The Commission also supports the establishment of a knowledge exchange platform on carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).
• International cooperation: The Commission intends to strengthen international cooperation with partners involved in industrial carbon management. This applies to the reporting and accounting of carbon management activities. This will help to ensure that international carbon pricing frameworks consider sectors where carbon capture and storage is particularly challenging.

Pilot plants serve as small-scale process facilities where technology providers and industry can collaboratively test and demonstrate CO₂ capture technologies. This occurs under realistic conditions, often preceding decisions on full-scale implementation.

Avoiding costly mistakes 

– A pilot plant provides the opportunity to refine the technology. Challenges can be identified and addressed on a smaller scale.Minimizing the risk of expensive errors during implementing. And operation in full-scale facilities. It also allows for improvements and innovations enhancing the technology’s long-term cost-effectiveness, says Svein Bekken, Senior Adviser at Gassnova.

A pilot plant also provides valuable knowledge through learning. Benefitting both technology providers and technology users (the industry). Understanding how the technology reacts under real conditions. Considering emissions, temperatures, and other operational factors. Enables providers and customers to evaluate and optimise the capture system’s performance. Ensuring its robustness for full-scale implementation in any industrial scenario.

Cost-efficient and sustainable technology

To achieve climate change targets. CO₂ capture technology is a key component for much of the energy intensive industries. Both nationally and internationally. Testing their technology under real industrial conditions is essential for providers. As it is impossible to simulate or predict all the challenges in an industrial context.

– At the same time. It is crucial for industrial companies (CO₂ emitters) to gain knowledge about the capture technology they might implement in their own plants. This includes knowledge of what is required in terms of preparation. And changes to the infrastructure in and around their own facilities, says Jørild Svalestuen, Senior Adviser at Gassnova.

The Lesson Learned report from Longship shows that 34 percent of the costs of CO₂ capture are related to infrastructure (“Utility and Support Systems”). Early phase of pilot testing is very useful for both technology providers and technology users (CO₂ emitters), especially for industries where CO₂ capture has not been tested previously.

Interaction with the industry

CLIMIT has supported pilot tests at facilities such as: SINTEF’s CO₂ capture pilot test centre at Tiller, Trondheim, the Technology Centre Mongstad (TCM) and mobile test units owned by various technology providers. Below are examples of companies that have tested their technology with support from industry and CLIMIT:

• Aker Carbon Capture has at the request from industry, demonstrated its own capture technology in different type of industries using a mobile test unit. These include companies such as Heidelberg Materials in Brevik, Hafslund Oslo Celsio in Oslo, Preem AB in Sweden, Polchar in Poland, Elkem and SMA Mineral in Mo Industripark. In earlier phases, the solvent technology was tested and optimised in collaboration with NTNU and SINTEF. The technology was further tested, developed, and qualified at TCM for further use at larger scale.
• Hydrogen Mem-Tech’s technology for separating hydrogen from CO₂ has been tested under real conditions at Equinor’s plant in Tjeldbergodden.
• Baker Hughes’ Compact Carbon Capture technology, developed in Norway in collaboration between Fjell Technology Group, Equinor and SINTEF – with support from CLIMIT. The technology has been tested at Equinor’s pilot plant in Porsgrunn.
• Fjell Technology Group’s Moving Bed Carbonate Looping technology, developed in collaboration with NTNU and SINTEF, is scheduled for pilot testing – with a mobile unit under construction for testing in industrial environment.
• Air Products in Kristiansand has tested two types of membranes for CO₂ capture at Heidelberg Materials in Brevik. They are currently being testing their commercial membrane at Returkraft in Kristiansand.
• SINTEF’s patented CSAR (Continuous Swing Absorption Reactor) CO₂ capture technology will be tested at Bergen Area Inter-Municipal Waste Disposal Company (BIR).

The CLIMIT programme has been making a difference for almost 20 years. Supporting the development of CO₂ capture technologies and conducting pilot-scale testing in industrial conditions. Has been significant for technology providers and the industry that will adopt this technology.