Norway is advancing its CO₂ storage initiative with the second phase of the Aurora project, targeting the sequestration of 5 million tonnes of carbon annually by 2028. As part of the Longships CCS program, this joint venture between Equinor, Shell, and Total Energy involves technological innovations designed to enhance carbon storage capacity, including onshore tanks, high-capacity pumps, and additional CO₂ injection wells.
The project’s first phase successfully injected CO₂ from a cement plant into a reservoir beneath the North Sea, storing 1.5 million tonnes annually. The EU has supported the expansion with a $153 million grant, positioning Norway as a leader in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. This initiative plays a critical role in supporting Europe’s decarbonization efforts, making a significant contribution to pollution control and setting a precedent for similar projects in other countries.
The operational capabilities of the Aurora project highlight the importance of CCS in reducing emissions from industries like cement and steel. As Norway continues to innovate in deep-sea carbon storage, it opens avenues for global adoption of similar technologies, potentially influencing future environmental policies and practices worldwide.
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