An administrative arrangement signed in Oslo on June 23, 2025, between Norway’s Minister of Energy, Terje Aasland, and France’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Éric Lombard, marks a significant breakthrough for European climate cooperation. This agreement establishes a clear pathway for the cross-border transport of CO₂ from French industrial emission sources to Norway for permanent geological storage beneath the North Sea seabed.
Strengthening Bilateral Cooperation
The arrangement was officially signed in Oslo on June 23, 2025, by Norwegian Minister Aasland and France’s Minister of Economy and Finance, Éric Lombard. This agreement is designed to enable the transportation of CO2 from major French industrial hubs, including Le Havre, Dunkerque, and Saint-Nazaire, to secure storage sites on the Norwegian continental shelf. The framework strictly adheres to the principles of the London Protocol and complies with EU law regarding carbon storage and emissions trading (ETS), ensuring legal and environmental integrity.
France recently passed the necessary legislative amendments in its National Assembly to allow for the cross-border transport of CO2, underscoring this initiative’s high priority for President Emmanuel Macron. This arrangement also builds upon a 2022 Letter of Intent between the two nations and is an integral part of their broader green industrial partnership.
Boosting the European CCS Market
This bilateral agreement is a crucial step towards managing French industrial emissions through permanent offshore storage in the North Sea. It is anticipated to significantly support the development of an integrated European market for Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). By providing predictability, the agreement encourages further expansion of CO2 storage capacity on the Norwegian continental shelf, creating a more robust and reliable infrastructure for European industries seeking to decarbonize.
Background on Norway’s CCS Leadership
Norway has been a pioneer in CCS technology and implementation. To date, the Norwegian Ministry of Energy has awarded 12 exploration licenses and one exploitation license (held by Northern Lights) specifically for CO2 storage on its continental shelf. An additional exploration license has also been offered, signaling ongoing commitment to expanding storage capabilities. The realization of these projects offers significant opportunities for large CO2 emitters across Europe to invest in carbon management solutions.
The Longship project, launched on September 21, 2020, serves as the Norwegian government’s flagship initiative for carbon management. This project aims to demonstrate the entire CCS value chain: how CO2 can be effectively captured from industrial sources, safely transported, and then permanently stored beneath the seabed. Currently, CO2 is being captured at Heidelberg Materials’ cement plant in Brevik and Hafslund Celsio’s waste-to-energy facility in Oslo, showcasing the practical application of this vital climate technology.
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Source: Regjeringen
