Belgium and the Netherlands have unveiled plans to transport and store CO2 between the two countries. This initial step is viewed as critical to industry based in the North Sea Port reducing its emissions by 50% by 2030, and to become climate neutral by 2050.

A Memorandum of Understanding will see the pair capturing, transporting and storing CO2 from industrial processes and power plants in their respective countries which currently use fossil fuels.

It was decided that empty gas fields located in the North Sea were suitable for storing the captured CO2, but before being able to use this location, arrangements had to be put in place to enable the cross-border transport of CO2. The arrangements are currently being made in accordance with the London Protocol – a bilateral agreement which dictates the conditions which must be met to enable CO2 transport between the countries.

“The bilateral agreement between Belgium and the Netherlands moves the collaborative projects in the cross-border port forwards,” explained Daan Schalck, CEO North Sea Port. “Companies will start capturing and storing CO2 instead of emitting it before 2030. Various companies in the port area are investing in CO2 terminals and pipeline infrastructure, [and] pipeline transport is clearly the most attractive option.

“This agreement represents an important first step in establishing the necessary cross-border infrastructure. North Sea Port is ready to take the next step and help facilitate cross-border cooperation, bringing the achievement of a climate-neutral port and the European climate goals one step closer.”