Porthos is developing infrastructure for the transport and storage of CO₂ in depleted gas fields beneath the North Sea. A gathering pipeline has been constructed in the Port of Rotterdam area, allowing companies to connect their captured CO₂ to the Porthos network. The Porthos infrastructure is an open-access, non-discriminatory system. This means that companies can use the CO₂ transport and storage network on equal terms.

Porthos currently works with four customers:

  • Air Liquide
  • Air Products
  • ExxonMobil
  • Shell

These companies will supply their captured CO₂ via the gathering pipeline, after which Porthos will transport it and ensure its permanent and safe storage beneath the North Sea. In December 2021, the parties signed the definitive contracts for the transport and storage of CO₂.

Infrastructure expansion

The available storage capacity in the current gas field has been fully allocated. At present, no new companies can join Porthos. There is still capacity available in the onshore pipeline and at the compressor station, however, allowing other projects to connect to the infrastructure.

Development of the collaboration

In spring 2019, Porthos assessed the level of interest among companies in participating in the project. The Expression of Interest procedure (EOI) showed that there was sufficient interest to continue developing the CO₂ transport and storage project.

Joint Development Agreement 

In autumn 2019, Porthos entered into Joint Development Agreements (JDAs) with Air Liquide, Air Products, ExxonMobil and Shell. A second agreement (JDA2) followed in autumn 2020. By signing the first JDAs, Porthos and the participating companies agreed to jointly develop the project further. Porthos continued with the permitting procedures and the technical development of the infrastructure. The participating companies started the permitting procedures and the design of their CO₂ capture facilities.

SDE++ subsidy

In spring 2021, the JDA partners received an SDE++ subsidy. This subsidy bridges the gap between revenues from the EU Emissions Trading System (ETS) and the total costs of capturing, transporting and storing CO₂. This support enables the participating companies to invest in emissions reductions, contribute to the Netherlands’ climate targets and maintain their international competitiveness at the same time.