Aker, Ørsted and Microsoft Sign MoU to Build CCS System for Biomass Thermal Plants in Denmark

The collaborators to explore CCS specifically for thermal plants fuelled by biomass, thereby generating carbon-negative energy

Aker Carbon Capture, Ørsted and Microsoft have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore the potential of a carbon capture and storage system for biomass-based thermal power plants in Denmark. The MoU enables a 360° exploration of the technological, regulatory and commercial possibilities of carbon capture and storage technology. 

Carbon capture and storage has been at the centre of sustainable development for the future. It is a key component of Denmark’s climate strategy to meet its target of 70% carbon reduction by 2030 and in the Paris Agreement which aims to limit the global temperature increase to 1.5° C. Exploring this technology as an accompaniment to biomass-based thermal power plants is particularly significant. Thermal power plants using biomass enable the recycling of carbon by absorbing agricultural waste. Consequently, capturing and storing carbon emissions generated from this cycle ensures not only reduction but also removal of carbon from the earth’s atmosphere. This generates renewable, carbon-negative energy.

One of Ørsted’s biomass thermal plants at Skærbæk, Denmark

One of Ørsted’s biomass thermal plants at Skærbæk, Denmark, Credit: Ørsted’s website

As part of the MoU, the three companies will explore the possibility of developing a carbon capture and storage system for one of Ørsted’s biomass thermal power plants in Denmark. The companies might use Northern Lights to capture and store carbon emissions, where Microsoft is an existing partner. Aker Carbon Capture is considering a new system to pair with biomass thermal plants in particular using their health, safety and environment-friendly capture technology. The MoU also includes advocating for policies to strengthen the European Union’s carbon negative emission frameworks.

Ole Thomsen, Senior Vice President at Ørsted, said: “Carbon capture will most likely be an important part of the green transition, and we see opportunities for capturing the carbon at some of our biomass-fired heat and power plants and either store it underground in order to achieve negative emissions or use the carbon for the production of green fuels in Power-to-X facilities.” 

Nana Bule, General Manager, Microsoft Denmark and Iceland, said: “Partnership across sectors and digital innovation are key in the fight against climate change, and we’re excited to support this alongside Ørsted and Aker Carbon Capture.” 

Valborg Lundegaard, Chief Executive Officer of Aker Carbon Capture, said: “Focusing on HSE-friendly capture, Aker Carbon Capture will bring its leading capture technology to accelerate the delivery of a full biogenic CCS value chain.”

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