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The European Union says plans to build large-scale carbon dioxide storage infrastructure across Europe remain on track, with several new carbon capture and storage projects expected to begin operations over the next few years.
According to the European Commission, the EU’s goal of reaching an annual CO₂ injection capacity of 50 million tonnes by 2030 is still considered achievable. The target was introduced in 2024 to support the development of carbon capture and storage technology, reduce industrial emissions, and increase available underground storage facilities across member states.
Three storage sites have already received operating permits within the EU. These include the Porthos project near Rotterdam, the Greensand site in Denmark’s section of the North Sea, and the Prinos project in the Aegean Sea.
Greensand is expected to begin injecting CO₂ next month, while Prinos is projected to become operational between 2026 and 2027. Porthos is expected to start operations next year.
The Commission said the sector has expanded rapidly over the past year. Four new operating licences were issued during that period, including approval for the K14-FAFC project in the Netherlands. By comparison, only one licence had been granted in the EU between 2009 and 2024 after the adoption of the bloc’s CCS legislation.
At least seven additional storage facilities are expected to enter operation in the coming years. Together, they would provide annual injection capacity of approximately 19 million tonnes of CO₂.
Industrial demand for carbon storage infrastructure is also increasing. The Commission said projects financed through the EU Innovation Fund are expected to capture more than 25 million tonnes of CO₂ each year for permanent storage.
Between 2020 and 2025, nearly 100 carbon capture projects applied for Innovation Fund support. Those proposals alone would require more than 70 million tonnes of annual storage injection capacity.
The Commission said oil and gas companies designated under EU rules will play an important role in developing the carbon storage market and meeting industrial demand. A total of 44 companies are expected to contribute to the expansion of storage infrastructure.
Brussels also stated that additional storage sites and clearer market transparency will be necessary to encourage investment and support long-term growth in the sector.
The EU views carbon capture and storage as an important part of efforts to cut emissions from heavy industry and meet the objectives of the Clean Industrial Deal. Current priorities include investment in strategic infrastructure projects, stronger cross-border coordination, and creating stable conditions for investors.
European Climate Commissioner Wopke Hoekstra said the sector is growing quickly across the EU and that more than 19 million tonnes of annual CO₂ injection capacity should become available for heavy industry in the years ahead.
