What's Happening?
Equinor has awarded a contract to energy and marine consultancy ABL to provide marine warranty survey services for the second phase of the Northern Lights carbon transport and storage project. This project, part of Norway's Longship initiative, aims to transport and permanently
store CO₂ captured from industrial sources in Norway and Europe. The first phase, operational since summer 2025, established infrastructure to handle up to 1.5 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. The second phase seeks to expand this capacity to at least 5 million tonnes per year, using a commercially based investment model to cater to the increasing demand from hard-to-abate industrial emitters across Europe. ABL's team in Stavanger, Norway, will deliver marine verification and warranty services, including site attendances, marine surveys, and technical reviews for the project's offshore construction and installation activities.
Why It's Important?
The expansion of the Northern Lights project is a significant step in the global effort to reduce industrial carbon emissions. By increasing the storage capacity, the project supports the decarbonization of industries that are difficult to abate, thereby contributing to climate change mitigation. This initiative not only strengthens Norway's position as a leader in carbon capture and storage technology but also provides a scalable solution for other countries looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The involvement of ABL, with its extensive experience in marine warranty surveys, ensures that the project meets high safety and technical standards, which is crucial for its success and reliability.
What's Next?
As the project progresses, Equinor and its partners will focus on completing the necessary infrastructure to support the increased storage capacity. This includes further offshore construction and installation activities, which ABL will oversee. The expanded capacity will be available to additional national and international carbon capture projects, potentially attracting more industrial participants. The success of this phase could lead to further expansions and inspire similar projects globally, reinforcing the role of carbon capture and storage in achieving climate goals.
Beyond the Headlines
The Northern Lights project represents a broader shift towards sustainable industrial practices and highlights the importance of international collaboration in addressing climate change. By providing an open-source facility for carbon storage, the project encourages innovation and investment in carbon capture technologies. It also raises questions about the long-term sustainability and economic viability of such large-scale projects, as well as the regulatory frameworks needed to support them.
