Porthos has officially greenlit the implementation of the Netherlands’ inaugural large-scale CO2 transport and storage system, marking a critical step in combating climate change. The €1.3 billion Porthos infrastructure project is set to commence construction in Rotterdam in 2024, with operations expected to begin by 2026. A joint venture involving EBN, Gasunie, and the Port of Rotterdam Authority, Porthos aims to reduce CO2 emissions in the Rotterdam port industry by approximately 10%, making a substantial contribution to the Dutch government’s climate policy.
Several major companies, including Air Liquide, Air Products, ExxonMobil, and Shell, will collaborate with Porthos, investing in their own capture installations to supply CO2 for transport and storage. Porthos plans to transport the captured CO2 through the Rotterdam port to depleted gas fields in the North Sea, situated around 20 km off the coast. The permanent storage, occurring at a depth of 3 to 4 km beneath the seabed, is anticipated to handle approximately 2.5 million tons of CO2 annually for a 15-year period, totaling around 37 million tons. The onshore transport system under construction is designed to accommodate future CO2 storage projects.
Porthos has garnered recognition from the European Union as a crucial initiative in achieving climate targets. Designated as a Project of Common Interest, Porthos has received a substantial €102 million subsidy, emphasizing the significance of this venture in advancing sustainable practices and carbon capture technologies. The collaboration with TAQA Energy, the current operator of the P18 gas fields, along with specialized contractors and suppliers, underscores Porthos’ commitment to realizing this transformative infrastructure project under its guidance.
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