Stockholm Exergi to Construct One of the World's Largest CO2 Removal Facilities

Stockholm Exergi has announced its decision to build one of the largest facilities in the world focused on capturing and permanently storing biogenic carbon dioxide (CO2). This significant investment, amounting to 13 billion SEK, represents a crucial step towards achieving long-term climate targets for Sweden and the European Union.

The construction will commence immediately, with the facility expected to be operational by 2028. This marks a pivotal moment for Stockholm Exergi and its commitment to sustainable energy practices. The CEO of Stockholm Exergi highlighted the years of dedicated effort that have culminated in this decision, which positions the company as a global leader in permanent CO2 capture technology.

This investment has been made feasible through a combination of public funding and the purchase of negative emissions certificates by businesses aiming to meet ambitious climate goals. The facility will be located in the energy port near the Värtaverket heat and power plant in Stockholm. Upon completion, it is projected to capture and permanently store 800,000 tons of CO2 annually--more than the emissions produced by the Stockholm traffic within the same timeframe.

CO2 capture technology has been in use since the 1970s, and Stockholm Exergi has been operating a pilot facility since 2019 to test its efficacy. The method of storage has proven reliable, with stringent monitoring to ensure that the CO2 remains permanently stored in geological formations beneath the seabed, where it will mineralize over time.

The decision to invest in this facility is the result of years of commitment, persistence, and collaboration among stakeholders. The initiative is expected to play a vital role in achieving net-zero emissions and includes significant backing from both public entities and private investments.

Stockholm has long been a leader in climate action, and the introduction of this bio-CCS (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage) project is expected to be instrumental in making the city climate-positive by 2030. The urgency to accelerate this transition is underscored by local officials, emphasizing their determination to meet this critical goal.

Stockholm Exergi has partnered with Northern Lights for the transportation and storage of the CO2, a move that will enhance Northern Lights' capacity and lay the groundwork for future projects aimed at achieving negative emissions. This partnership is anticipated to position the Nordic countries and Europe at the forefront of this emerging industry.

Bio-CCS technology captures biogenic CO2 before it enters the atmosphere and stores it permanently in geological formations, effectively removing it from the natural carbon cycle and generating negative emissions. The planned Beccs Stockholm facility will augment the existing capabilities of the Värtaverket power plant, which already produces sustainable heat and electricity from forestry and sawmill waste, thereby maximizing climate benefits.

The Beccs Stockholm initiative is supported by a mix of EU funding, governmental financial aid, and private sector investment, enhancing its viability as a significant step toward addressing climate change.