Orsted has commenced the construction of two carbon capture facilities aimed at mitigating emissions from key power stations in Denmark.
The project, a pivotal milestone in Denmark’s sustainability journey, focuses on capturing and storing carbon emissions from the Asnæs Power Station in Kalundborg and the straw-fired unit at Avedore Power Station in Greater Copenhagen.
With a 20-year contract from the Danish Energy Agency secured in May 2023, the initiative is set to annually capture 430,000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 starting from early 2026. This substantial reduction in carbon emissions from these combined heat and power plants is a significant stride towards Denmark’s climate goals for 2025 and 2030.
Ole Thomsen, Senior Vice President of Orsted’s Bioenergy business, emphasized the pivotal role of this project in combatting climate change. He expressed pride in initiating Denmark’s first full-scale carbon capture venture, highlighting the collaborative efforts with partners, municipalities, and stakeholders to achieve shared climate objectives.
The groundbreaking ceremony, set to witness the participation of Lars Aagaard, Danish Minister of Climate, Energy & Utilities, Orsted’s CEO Mads Nipper, and the mayors of the hosting municipalities, underscores the collective commitment towards sustainable solutions.
Mayors Martin Damm and Soren Friis Trebbien, representing Kalundborg and Hvidovre municipalities respectively, expressed optimism about the project’s positive impact on local communities. Damm anticipated a boost in green synergies in Kalundborg, while Friis Trebbien highlighted Hvidovre’s existing competences aligning with the project’s goals.
The ‘Orsted Kalundborg CO2 Hub’ project holds promise as a beacon of environmental stewardship. Some key project facts include the capture of 150,000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 annually from the straw-fired unit at Avedøre Power Station, initially transported to Asnæs Power Station until a shared pipeline infrastructure is established across Zealand.
Moreover, Orsted aims to capture 280,000 tonnes of biogenic CO2 yearly from the wood chip-fired unit at Asnæs Power Station, facilitating the handling and shipping of carbon to the Northern Lights storage reservoir in the Norwegian part of the North Sea.
This project underscores Orsted’s commitment to sustainable practices, utilizing locally sourced straw and sustainably managed wood chips to generate electricity, district heating, and process steam while significantly reducing carbon emissions.
The groundbreaking ceremony on December 4 at Avedore Power Station marks a significant step in Denmark’s drive towards a greener, more sustainable future.