Longship, a European model for carbon capture and storage

Norway has officially launched one of the most ambitious European carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects, named Longship, after the famous Viking ships. Considered a key solution in combating climate change, the project aims to capture carbon dioxide emitted by large polluting industries and store it in the depths of the sea.

• Billions in investment and massive government support

The Norwegian government is backing the project with 22 billion kroner (approximately 2 billion euros) of a total estimated cost of 34 billion kroner. The support is aimed at both the construction of the infrastructure and covering operational costs in the first ten years of operation.

• From cement and waste to safe undersea storage

Initially, carbon dioxide will be captured from the Heidelberg Materials cement plant in Brevik, which will reduce annual emissions by 400,000 tonnes. From 2029, the Hafslund Celsio waste incineration plant near Oslo will also contribute, capturing 350,000 tonnes annually. The carbon dioxide will be transported by sea to a special terminal on the west coast of Norway, where it will be injected into deep geological repositories under the seabed.

• Model for Europe

Energy Minister Terje Aasland said that Longship represents "a major step forward” for CCS technologies in Europe, providing an example of collaboration between government and industry to achieve climate goals. The project has the potential to transform Norway into a European hub for carbon capture and storage, with a global impact in the fight against global warming.