CO₂ reduction through storage
under the North Sea

The Netherlands has clear climate targets: by 2030, greenhouse gas emissions must be reduced by at least 55% compared to 1990. By 2050, the Netherlands must be climate neutral. One of the ways to achieve the climate objectives is to capture and store CO₂(Carbon Capture and Storage, CCS for short). The Climate Agreement explicitly chose CCS as one of the measures for CO₂reduction.

In the Porthos project, CO₂from industry in the port of Rotterdam is captured, transported and stored in empty gas fields under the North Sea. Construction of Porthos has visibly started near Rozenburg. On land, some 30 kilometres of pipeline will go into the ground. And in the North Sea another pipeline up to 20 kilometres off the coast.

The Porthos system is expected to be operational in the second half of 2027. A clear step towards a climate-neutral Netherlands!

16 April 2026

Gemmeke Groot: “In my work, I’m always looking for ways to apply my knowledge and experience to the energy transition”

16 April 2026

Schedule for the Porthos CO₂ transport and storage project revised

20 March 2026

‘Golden weld’ connects Shell’s CO₂ capture plant to Porthos

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“We had been working towards this for years; now we could really get started.” In the video, Willem-Jan talks about his journey, his pride, and the valuable knowledge and experience that Porthos has built up over the years—and is now eager to share.

Willem-Jan Plug
Technical Manager Future Integrations

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‘As a geologist, you are always increasing your understanding of the subsurface. It’s great to use all that knowledge for such an ambitious project,’

Daphne Wiggers de Vries en Dineke Wiersma
Geologists

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“In these disciplines, we ensure that everyone within the project always has access to the right information—quickly and reliably.”

Johan George Hitchcock
Documents Controls Advisor

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‘Porthos is a a great opportunity to contribute to the energy transition’

Friso Resink
Assistent Manager Onshore

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“During the construction of the Porthos pipeline, you’re constantly encountering other pipelines. Our job is to make sure that the work is done safely and in a way that preserves the integrity of the existing cables and pipelines.”

Leen van Bloois
Technical manager of LBITA B.V.

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“The high concentration of special crossings makes Porthos one of the most complex projects DENYS has ever worked on. It demands a lot from everyone involved. The fact that we’re still on schedule makes me proud.”

Mathias Gistelinck
Construction Manager DENYS

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CCS in the energy transition

The Dutch Climate Agreement contains a broad package of measures for CO₂ reduction. Examples include a sharp increase in renewable energy, use of residual heat and geothermal energy, increased insulation for buildings, electric vehicles, process industry efficiency and recycling. A choice was also made in the Climate Agreement to develop capture, transport and storage of CO₂.

Around 14% of CO₂ emissions in the Netherlands takes place in the Rotterdam port area, making the region’s contribution to the national climate objectives extremely important. For a section of industry, CCS is currently the fastest way to substantially reduce CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere for relatively low costs. CCS is an important technique for the chemical sector, hydrogen producers and refineries to significantly reduce their production process impact in the short term, while working on fundamental and structural innovations to production processes. The long-term objective continues to be sustainability.

Initiators

Porthos is a partnership between the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Gasunie and EBN. These state shareholdings play an important role in the Dutch energy landscape. They aim to contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions in the Netherlands as well as play an active role in the energy transition.

Each of the organisations brings its own experience and expertise to Porthos: the Port of Rotterdam Authority will be focusing on the local situation and market, Gasunie can offer extensive experience with gas infrastructure and transport, and EBN will be sharing its expertise in the area of deeper soil layers and offshore infrastructure.

For more information about the partners:

CO2 reduction through storage under the North Sea

Nieuwsberichten

Gemmeke Groot: “In my work, I’m always looking for ways to apply my knowledge and experience to the energy transition”

Schedule for the Porthos CO₂ transport and storage project revised

‘Golden weld’ connects Shell’s CO₂ capture plant to Porthos

Willem-Jan Plug Technical Manager Future Integrations

Daphne Wiggers de Vries en Dineke Wiersma Geologists

Johan George Hitchcock Documents Controls Advisor

Friso Resink Assistent Manager Onshore

Leen van Bloois Technical manager of LBITA B.V.

Mathias Gistelinck Construction Manager DENYS

CCS in the energy transition

Initiators

CO₂ reduction through storage
under the North Sea

Willem-Jan Plug
Technical Manager Future Integrations

Daphne Wiggers de Vries en Dineke Wiersma
Geologists

Johan George Hitchcock
Documents Controls Advisor

Friso Resink
Assistent Manager Onshore

Leen van Bloois
Technical manager of LBITA B.V.

Mathias Gistelinck
Construction Manager DENYS