Together for a green future: Netherlands, Denmark and Norway
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The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway are increasingly collaborating for a cleaner future. Two companies exemplify this cooperation: the Danish Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners invests heavily in green energy in the Netherlands, and the Norwegian Northern Lights, which stores carbon dioxide from European factories beneath the seabed.
From 12 to 14 November, King Willem-Alexander, Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth and a delegation of Dutch companies will visit Denmark and Norway. The purpose of this trip is to strengthen cooperation on hydrogen and the energy system of the future.
The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway are strengthening their cooperation on sustainable energy solutions. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) plays an important role in this partnership. As a major global investor in renewable energy, CIP manages €31 billion in capital from over 180 investors, making it one of the largest renewable energy fund managers worldwide.
Green energy on both sides of the North Sea
In the Port of Rotterdam, CIP and its partner Swedish Vattenfall are developing the Zeevonk offshore wind farm, which will generate green electricity and green hydrogen production. Zeevonk expected to be one of Europe’s largest green hydrogen sites by 2030.
In Denmark, CIP is building a green hydrogen plant in the Port of Esbjerg. The hydrogen produced there can in the future be transported through pipelines to Germany and eventually to the Netherlands to help decarbonizing heavy industries. This project illustrates how renewable energy can connect countries and support efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions.
CIP is also working with Dutch companies in Portugal. In the Port of Sines, they are developing a major green ammonia project, which will produce clean fuels for Europe.
The Dutch Embassy as a vital link
CIP has highlighted the vital support provided by the Dutch Embassy in Denmark for strengthening their ties with the Netherlands. The embassy organises regular meetings, helping CIP to connect with key contacts and understand the Dutch market better.
According to CIP, this assistance, along with the support of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), has made it easier for them to operate in the Netherlands. During King Willem-Alexander’s visit, CIP hopes to strengthen this partnership further and explore new opportunities for renewable energy collaboration.
The role of carbon dioxide storage in the energy transition
Another example of the collaboration between the countries is the technology for capturing and storing carbon dioxide. Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). CCS is one of the few methods available to reduce emissions from some of the most polluting industries. It works by capturing carbon dioxide directly at the source, liquefying it, and transporting it to a storage location, where it is stored deep underground, often in depleted oil and gas fields.
The idea behind CCS is to prevent carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere and contributing to climate change. This technology is particularly important because many industries still rely on fossil fuels for their operations. While renewable energy sources like wind and solar are on the rise, it will take time to transition completely away from fossil fuels. In the meantime, CCS provides a way to reduce emissions from these industries.
Norwegian seabed for other countries
Northern Lights is the first project in the world to offer this infrastructure as 'open source.' This means that other companies and countries can use this storage for their carbon dioxide waste without needing to build their own infrastructure.
According to General Manager Tim Heijn, Dutch industries, such as those in the Port of Rotterdam, can reduce their carbon dioxide emissions affordably and sustainably by exporting carbon dioxide to Norway for storage. This offers a transitional solution for companies that cannot immediately switch to clean energy sources such as electricity or green hydrogen.
The process works as follows: the carbon dioxide is first liquefied and then transported by specialized ships to a temporary storage facility on the west coast of Norway. From there, the liquefied carbon dioxide is sent via pipelines to a permanent storage site approximately 2.6 kilometres deep beneath the seabed.
Storage for the Dutch industry
For the Netherlands, which is increasingly focusing on carbon dioxide storage and hydrogen production, Northern Lights presents an opportunity to lower carbon dioxide emissions. Thanks to this project, Dutch companies can reduce their emissions in an affordable and sustainable manner without needing to develop an entire infrastructure themselves.
With its extensive ports and logistics infrastructure, the Netherlands can more easily transport carbon dioxide to Norway for storage. The country has limited space for large-scale storage underground. 'By collaborating with Norway, we can assist the Dutch industry in achieving its climate goals,' says General Manager Heijn.
Dutch fertilizer producer Yara, one of the largest carbon dioxide emitters in the country, is among the first customers of Northern Lights. Starting in 2026, Yara will transport carbon dioxide from the Netherlands to Norway through Northern Lights for permanent storage.
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Role of Dutch embassies The Dutch embassies in Denmark and Norway provide a range of services, including through the embassy economic network and the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency, the embassy can provides information on the local business culture, regulations, market opportunities as well as facilitates introductions to local business networks and hydrogen organisations. In addition, the embassies host events and seminars on various topics related to doing business in Denmark, Norway and the Netherlands, such as market entry, regulations, and investment opportunities. |
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