Norway Expands North Sea Carbon Storage Project

Several countries are advancing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and promote sustainable energy solutions. Norway is expanding its Northern Lights project to triple its carbon storage capacity beneath the North Sea, aiming to lock away 5 million tons of CO2 annually by 2028, supported by a significant EU grant. Meanwhile, Canada is investing $319 million over seven years in clean energy innovation, with recent funding of $5.8 million for British Columbia companies developing carbon management technologies that convert CO2 into valuable chemicals, supporting Canada’s goal to become a clean energy superpower. The EU has introduced the Battery Regulation 2023/1542, which, while focused on battery sustainability and safety, also affects energy research and supply chains, though delays in regulatory acts are causing uncertainty. Additionally, emerging marine carbon dioxide removal technologies, such as Direct Ocean Capture (DOC), are being explored as potential low-carbon CO2 sources for producing synthetic e-fuels, though their climate benefits depend on complex ocean-atmosphere CO2 exchange processes and regulatory interpretations. These international efforts highlight the growing emphasis on carbon management as a critical component of climate action and energy transition strategies.