Denmark, France, Germany, Sweden, and the Netherlands have taken a significant stride toward strengthening cooperation in the realm of carbon capture and storage (CCS) within the European Union (EU). The collaborative move involves the signing of the Aalborg Declaration on November 27, 2023, during the European Commission's CCUS Forum in Aalborg. This declaration solidifies these nations' recognition of carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) as a crucial climate tool, marking a pivotal step towards establishing a unified European market for CCUS.

The declaration emphasizes the imperative need to scale up CCUS projects both at the national and European levels. Lars Aagaard, Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, highlighted the importance of this collective commitment, stating, "Today shows that there is a European will, both among us decision-makers and among the industry – and with the Aalborg Declaration, we are moving closer to a common European market for CO2 capture, usage, and storage. This is absolutely essential for the green transition, because CO2 capture, usage, and storage is a step on the ladder towards both our and the EU’s climate goals – and without that step, we will not reach the top."

In addition to fostering enhanced European collaboration on CCUS, the European Commission revealed that two Danish CCS projects, Norne and Bifrost, have been designated as projects of common interest (PCIs). This designation signifies their status as particularly crucial infrastructure projects for the entire European region, making them eligible to seek financial support from the EU.

Denmark's Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities aims to formalize the status of these projects as PCIs on Tuesday, November 28, 2023. The country is dedicated to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030, with these developments aligning with Danish Shipping's ambitions to position Denmark as a pivotal EU hub for both CCS and power-to-X technologies.

Jacob K. Clasen, Deputy CEO of Danish Shipping, expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts, stating, "Close cooperation with other European countries is a prerequisite for making the transport of CO2 by ship an attractive business area. If we approach it correctly, Denmark can become a pioneer in both CCS and power-to-X. It is very positive that the government is focused on this." The shared commitment encapsulated in the Aalborg Declaration marks a crucial milestone in advancing carbon capture and storage initiatives across Europe.