Ports in Northern Jutland Must Treat CO₂ as a Resource
Danish industrial ports will play a pivotal role in the green transition. In a new analysis, NIRAS outlines the potential roles of five ports in North Jutland in the areas of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS).
Major challenges. Major opportunities. The green transition will have a major impact on many of Denmark’s industrial ports in the years ahead. In addition to serving as key hubs for imports, exports, domestic logistics, warehousing, business, fishing, and more, the ports will also take on many new and important roles stemming from the transition to renewable energy.
Specifically, Danish ports will play a key role in the development of new, innovative technologies for CO₂ capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), as well as in the production of new types of synthetic fuels—commonly referred to as Power-to-X. The ports could play a central role in the logistics that must be established to create well-functioning value chains for viable CCUS and PtX industries.
Viewing CO2 as a resource
On behalf of the CO₂VISION consortium, which consists of more than 50 companies and organizations, NIRAS is conducting an analysis of the role of five North Jutland ports in CCUS. The ports in question are Hanstholm, Hirtshals, Frederikshavn, Aalborg, and Skagen.
“In North Jutland, we have high CO₂ emissions—the highest in Denmark. That’s why it’s important that we in the North Jutland region take the lead when it comes to utilizing CO₂. We view CO₂ as a resource—and when you have resources, there are also opportunities for growth,” says Mette Høj Ravnborg, project manager at Green Hub Denmark, a consortium partner in CO₂VISION.
A “Roadmap” for CCUS in North Jutland
The analysis, which will be conducted in the spring of 2023, is intended to outline possible future developments and goals within CCUS for each of the five ports. This will be done by identifying key areas such as framework conditions, infrastructure, market potential, and visions.
“We need to ensure that the partners behind CO₂VISION and Green Hub Denmark have a clear picture of the future role of North Jutland’s ports in CCUS. The ports could potentially play a central role in the value chain by receiving or shipping CO₂, hydrogen, and PtX products in Northern Jutland,” says Helene Waagstein Juhl, NIRAS’s project manager for this initiative.
The analysis will be summarized in a report, which is expected to be completed by the end of June 2023. This report will serve as a key input for a “roadmap” for the development of CCUS in the North Jutland Region.
This article was prepared by NIRAS. Read it on the NIRAS website here.
