Over the past two weeks, Denmark has been the stage for an important European conversation. In the framework of the Danish EU Presidency, the Ministry for Climate, Energy and Utilities welcomed ministers and civil servants from across the Union for informal meetings. On both levels – political and technical – carbon capture and storage (CCS) featured prominently on the agenda. From a CCS Europe perspective, this is a milestone worth celebrating.
Denmark is widely acknowledged as one of Europe’s frontrunners on CCS. And let’s be clear: this turnaround has been nothing short of remarkable. In just a few short years, Denmark has designed and implemented the regulatory frameworks and support schemes needed to foster a CCS ecosystem. The country essentially built the rails while the train was already at full speed. That has meant some missteps, some wasted effort, and plenty of lessons learned along the way. But it also means Denmark now holds invaluable know-how – precisely the kind of experience that many other Member States, still waiting at the station or only just setting off, can benefit from.
"The Draghi report is clear: CCS is central to Europe’s ability to hit climate targets without hollowing out its industrial base. We cannot afford to treat it as a niche technology." - Bergur Løkke Rasmussen, CCS Europe Director
This is why we at CCS Europe have long argued that knowledge sharing must be at the heart of the EU’s CCS strategy. There is no reason for every member state to reinvent the wheel. If frontrunners like Denmark, the Netherlands, and a handful of others have already made mistakes, let’s help the rest skip those headaches. That way, we save time, money, and political goodwill – resources we desperately need to meet our climate ambitions while maintaining Europe’s industrial competitiveness.
To this end, CCS Europe has repeatedly called on the European Commission to appoint a dedicated CCS Envoy. Such an envoy would coordinate with national governments, particularly where cross-border infrastructure is concerned, and ensure industry and ministers of climate and economy are convened for frank discussions on what it takes to decarbonise industry. The Draghi report is clear: CCS is central to Europe’s ability to hit climate targets without hollowing out its industrial base. We cannot afford to treat it as a niche technology.
That is why it is so encouraging to see Denmark and other pioneers stepping up to facilitate exactly these kinds of dialogues. CCS Europe was honoured to join parts of the Danish discussions, including a site visit to Ørsted’s Avedøreværket. The atmosphere was nothing short of inspiring. Tough questions were asked, practical answers were shared, and the dialogue reflected a genuine sense of common purpose. For me personally, it distilled a simple but powerful hope: that Europe really can succeed in building the CCS backbone we need.
Of course, as with any extreme ambition, success will not come easily. It will require us to push our limits and keep the pressure on. In cycling terms – and as a Dane I cannot resist – we need to pedal to the finish line like Jonas Vingegaard storming Bola del Mundo in this year’s Vuelta. The road will be steep, the air thin, but the victory achievable if we ride together.
At CCS Europe, we will continue to do everything we can to ensure Europe gets there.
--By Bergur Løkke Rasmussen, CCS Europe Director