Stockholm starts mega project: eliminate 800,000 tons of CO₂ per year!

Stockholm starts mega project: eliminate 800,000 tons of CO₂ per year!

On March 27, 2025, Stockholm Exergi announced the construction of one of the largest biogenic carbon dioxide capture and storage facilities. The investment amount for this important project amounts to SEK 13 billion. Construction will begin immediately and the facility is expected to be operational in 2028. Up to 800,000 tons of CO₂ capture and storage are planned annually, which could make a significant contribution to combating climate change.

The location of the new plant is in the energy port near the Värtaverket thermal power plant in Stockholm. This strategic decision was motivated by public support and the purchase of negative carbon credits. Stockholm Exergi has chosen partner Northern Lights for CO₂ transport and storage to ensure the efficiency and safety of the project.

Technology and sustainability

The technology used for CO₂ capture has its roots in the 1970s and has been further developed through a test facility that has been in operation since 2019. The captured CO₂ is permanently stored and mineralized in the rock beneath the seabed. This step is crucial to achieving climate goals and net zero emissions.

The already operational Värtaverket thermal power plant produces sustainable heat and electricity from forestry and sawmill waste and provides heat to over 800,000 people in Stockholm, supported by a 3,000 kilometer long district heating network. This infrastructure demonstrates Stockholm Exergi's existing commitment to sustainable energy solutions, sponsored by the City of Stockholm and a consortium of European pension funds.

International perspectives and the role of CCS

The development and implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies is of great importance not only in Sweden but also internationally. According to a report by Wirtschaftsdienst, CCS is gaining increasing acceptance, particularly in the EU, where it is recognized as a necessary tool to reduce emissions. The question of “difficult and unavoidable emissions” plays a central role, as precise definitions of these terms are required for the successful implementation of CCS.

Numerous international CCS projects are already active, including the first project in Norway (Sleipner since 1996) and others in countries such as the USA, Canada, Brazil, China and Saudi Arabia. The global CCS Institute reported a total of 41 projects in operation in 2023, capturing around 49 million tonnes of CO₂.

At the same time, however, it is noted that the expansion of CO₂ transport and storage infrastructure may fall short of requirements, which needs to be carefully considered by the international community. In Germany, the focus in the past has been on regulating CCS, with commercial use banned from 2012 until recently. These limitations could jeopardize progress in achieving climate goals as CCS is increasingly seen as part of a comprehensive climate change strategy.

Overall, the capture and storage of CO₂ is seen as a necessary but limited contribution to climate protection. It is crucial to continue to pursue conventional climate action and consider CCS as part of an integrated approach. Transparency and clarity regarding the definition and implementation of emissions that are difficult to avoid are also important for future success in global climate policy.