“`html
Switzerland And Norway Join Forces In Carbon Capture Breakthrough
Oslo, Norway – in a landmark move to combat climate change, Switzerland and Norway have formalized a bilateral agreement to enhance cooperation in carbon capture and storage (CCS). The Swiss Federal Department Of Surroundings, Transport, Energy And Dialog (Detec) hailed the agreement as a significant step forward in fulfilling the Paris Agreement.
Pioneering Carbon Capture Project ‘Longship’ Takes Center Stage
The agreement was cemented during Detec Head Albert Rösti’s visit to Norway, coinciding with the launch of the “Longship” project in Oslo. Named after Viking longboats, this initiative focuses on capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) from a cement plant and an incineration facility. The captured CO2 will then be transported by ship to a terminal on Norway’s west coast for injection and permanent storage beneath the seabed.
While carbon capture and storage technology is recognized as crucial in the fight against global warming,establishing a lasting economic model has proven tough,however,this collaboration is a major step forward.
Economic Opportunities And Financial Backing
The Norwegian government has pledged significant financial support to the Longship project, committing 22 billion crowns (approximately 2 billion euros) out of a total estimated cost of 34 billion crowns for the establishment and initial ten years of operation.
norwegian Energy Minister Terje Aasland lauded the project as a major leap for CCS in Europe during a press conference.
According to detec, the agreement provides a legal framework for the cross-border transportation and permanent storage of CO2.
Albert Rösti stated, “CO2 storage will be vital for switzerland on the path of carbon neutrality. This technology completes our current instruments of decarbonation. So I am delighted with this agreement with Norway. It strengthens innovation and is an opportunity for the economy.”
Swiss-Norwegian Pilot Activities Launched
Following the declaration of intention signed just a year prior, private companies from Norway and Switzerland have initiated pilot programs.
Over a dozen companies and stakeholders unveiled trade agreements on Tuesday concerning the transfer of CO2 removals between the two nations – a global first under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement.
These pilot activities, though small in scale, aim to determine how CO2 removal and its cross-border storage can be integrated into international climate policy.
Aspiring Climate Goals Drive Collaboration
Both Norway and Switzerland have set ambitious climate targets and view carbon capture and elimination technologies as vital tools to achieve net-zero emissions.
beyond the agreement with switzerland, facilities are scheduled to be inaugurated on Wednesday at a Heidelberg Materials cement plant in Brevik, southeast Norway. These facilities are expected to prevent 400,000 tons of CO2 from entering the atmosphere annually.
By 2029, The Hafinend Celsio waste incineration plant near Oslo is also scheduled to capture 350,000 tonnes of CO2 each year. The carbon dioxide, once liquified, will be transported by boat to the Øygarden terminal near Bergen.
From there, it will be injected into a pipeline for storage in a salt aquifer 2,600 meters beneath the seabed, located 110 kilometers offshore.
challenges And Costs Of Carbon Capture Technology
The Intergovernmental Panel On Climate Change (IPCC) supports CCS as a solution, especially for industries that are difficult to decarbonize, such as cement factories, which account for 7% of global CO2 emissions.
Though,the technology remains complex and expensive.
Currently, without financial aid, it is more economical for manufacturers to purchase “polluting permits” on the European Emission Quota Market (ETS) than to invest in capturing, transporting, and storing their CO2.
Tim Heijn, Director Of Northern Lights, a joint venture between Equinor, shell, and Totalenergies said “Two things must happen: it takes a gradual increase in the price of ETS in order to correctly reflect the real cost of the use of carbon (…) and our industry must really work to lower technological costs thanks to innovation.”
Comparing Carbon Capture Methods
| method | Description | Cost (per ton CO2) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct Air Capture | Extracts CO2 directly from the atmosphere. | $400+ | Can be located anywhere; removes existing CO2. | High energy consumption; very expensive. |
| Point Source Capture | Captures CO2 from large emission sources (e.g., power plants). | $60-$120 | More cost-effective than direct air capture; prevents new emissions. | Requires proximity to emission sources; doesn’t address existing CO2. |
| Biomass Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) | Captures CO2 from biomass energy production. | $100-$200 | Carbon neutral or negative emissions; utilizes renewable resources. | Land use concerns; sustainability of biomass sources. |
The Future Of Carbon Capture
The collaboration between Switzerland and Norway highlights the increasing urgency and importance of carbon capture technologies in meeting global climate goals. As these technologies continue to develop and become more economically viable,they will play a crucial role in reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating the impacts of climate change.
What othre countries should invest in carbon capture and storage?
Frequently Asked Questions About Carbon Capture
This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.