The Netherlands – The Porthos project in the Netherlands, aimed at capturing and storing CO2 beneath the North Sea, faces significant hurdles as costs soar and delays mount, raising questions about the feasibility and impact of large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiatives.
Porthos, short for Port of Rotterdam CO₂ Transport Hub and Offshore Storage, was initiated with the goal of reducing CO2 emissions by capturing and storing industrial emissions in depleted gas fields beneath the North Sea. The project, co-financed by the European Commission, aims to store 2.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually, contributing to the European Union’s climate targets.
The Porthos project employs CCS technology, involving the capture of CO2 emissions from industrial sources such as refineries and transporting them via pipeline to offshore storage sites. The captured CO2 is then injected into depleted gas fields deep beneath the seabed, where it is securely stored to prevent its release into the atmosphere.
Increasing costs
High inflation, coupled with increased demand for pipeline materials and components, has driven project costs to over €1.3 billion, nearly triple the initial estimate. Legal proceedings initiated by environmental groups, such as Mobilisation for the Environment (MOB), have also contributed to delays, further complicating the project timeline.
Critics of the Porthos project, including environmental activists and taxpayer advocates, raise concerns about the environmental impact of CO2 storage, particularly regarding nitrogen emissions during construction. Additionally, questions have been raised about the financial viability of the project, with taxpayers potentially bearing the burden of cost overruns and delays.
