06 May 2025

Porthos assumes control of TAQA platform and wells

Porthos has assumed control of TAQA’s P18-A gas production platform and its associated wells and gas fields under the Dutch North Sea, marking a significant moment in the development of Europe’s first CO₂- storage facility. The official transfer initiates the start of a large-scale and unique conversion operation from production platform to CO₂-injection platform. The work will be carried out by TAQA, on behalf of Porthos.

From gas extraction to CO₂ storage
With this major transformation, the P18-A platform will be made suitable for the injection of CO₂, originating from industries in the Port of Rotterdam. The CO₂ will be transported via a pipeline over land and under the North Sea to the platform, where it will be injected into depleted gas fields at more than three kilometers depth below the seabed.

New phase in CO₂ infrastructure
“For Porthos, the conversion of the P18-A platform marks the start of a new phase in the development of CO₂ storage infrastructure,” said Hans Meeuwsen, Project Director at Porthos. “The platform will not only get a new function but will also be made sustainable. Thanks to solar panels and wind turbines, it will become a self-sufficient platform.

René Zwanepol, Managing Director of TAQA Netherlands, said: “Porthos is playing a pioneering role in the Dutch energy transition, particularly in advancing CCS technology. TAQA is proud to partner with key private and public stakeholders to lead the conversion of the platform and wells, leveraging our knowledge and expertise. Together, we are making the repurposing of former gas extraction infrastructure a reality.”

From gas production platform to injector
Originally used for natural gas extraction, the platform will now undergo modifications to accommodate the installation of the equipment required to support CO₂ injection. The existing production wells will be converted into injection wells. In addition, monitoring systems will be set up to precisely track pressure and temperature throughout the injection process.

Reduction of CO₂ emissions
With this conversion and reuse of the platform, the wells, and the former gas fields, Porthos makes a significant contribution to the reduction of CO₂ emissions in the Port of Rotterdam. The expectation is that the work on the platform will be completed by the end of 2025 and that the Porthos infrastructure will be operational in 2026.