Norne Awarded License for CO2 Storage Exploration in Denmark’s Thorning Structure

Norne Thorning Storage ApS, a company backed by Fidelis New Energy, LLC, has been granted an exploration license by the Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities for the Thorning structure in central Jutland. The license marks a key step toward establishing one of Denmark’s future hubs for safe and permanent carbon dioxide (CO2) storage.

Advancing CO2 Storage Potential

With the exploration license secured, Norne will now begin its detailed geological work program to determine whether the Thorning structure is suitable for long-term CO2 storage.

The program includes advanced 3D seismic surveys, aerial monitoring, and the drilling of exploration and appraisal wells, all designed with minimal environmental impact. Ross, Norne’s exclusive subsurface and wells partner, is leading the technical planning based on its deep experience with Denmark’s geology.

If the site proves viable, Norne and joint venture partner Nordsøfonden (representing the Danish state) will have the exclusive right to apply for a CO2 storage license, pending approval from the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) and compliance with all environmental, safety, and financial regulations.

Milestone Toward Net-Zero

Lars Bo Christiansen, President of Norne Climate Impact. said, “The exploration work program has been carefully designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the deep geological structures and their ability to safely and permanently store CO2.”

He added, “Ross, Norne's Exclusive Subsurface and Wells Partner and their long experience with the subsoil of Denmark has been instrumental in planning the work program, which includes extensive seismic sensors aerial surveys with minimal environmental impacts, extensive 3D seismic surveys, and exploration and appraisal wells.”

Norne has been funded by Fidelis New Energy from 2021 and was deemed in 2023 as a Project of Common Interest (PCI) by the European Commission, emphasizing its contribution to realizing EU climate ambitions.

The Thorning project can start storing from before 2030 and is set to offer an essential decarbonization solution for Denmark's hard-to-abate industries and even around the world.

Also read: Denmark’s First Full-Scale CO2 Storage Facility Receives Investment Decision

Building Infrastructure for the Future

One of the essential components of Norne's vision is a CO2 receiving terminal at the Port of Aalborg, allowing the plant to receive carbon emissions from Danish sources as well as from Baltic and European sources. The infrastructure should facilitate carbon capture and storage (CCS) being more affordable and accessible to the region.

Once the license is obtained, Norne will start its seismic and drilling operations to determine the geological feasibility of the location.