Norway and Belgium have signed an agreement to facilitate the transport of carbon dioxide (CO2) by pipeline from Belgium to the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The deal, aimed at advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS), was formalized at the Norwegian Petroleum Museum in Stavanger. Equinor and Fluxys will collaborate on developing the infrastructure for CO2 transportation, including a cross-border pipeline and a terminal in Belgium to receive CO2 from various industrial sources in Europe.
The Norwegian Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, emphasized that this agreement strengthens the European CO2 value chain and signifies a significant achievement in the energy cooperation between the two nations. With over 30 years of experience in safe offshore CO2 storage, Norway aims to assist European industries in reducing emissions in a cost-effective and predictable manner.
Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Prevot highlighted that the agreement supports industrial decarbonization efforts and underscores both countries’ dedication to climate goals and future sustainability. The collaboration on CO2 transport with Norway is seen as a crucial step towards achieving industrial decarbonization and ensuring future climate resilience.
Norway, a major gas supplier to the EU, plays a pivotal role in the energy landscape of Europe. The energy systems of Norway and Belgium are already closely linked through existing gas export pipelines connecting Norway to Zeebrugge on the Belgian coast.
