Together for a Green Future: Netherlands, Denmark and Norway

The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway are increasingly collaborating for a cleaner future. Two companies exemplify this cooperation: Danish company Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP), which invests heavily in green energy in the Netherlands, and Norwegian Northern Lights, which stores carbon dioxide from European factories beneath the seabed.

From 12 to 14 November, King Willem-Alexander, Minister Hermans of Climate and Green Growth, and a delegation of Dutch companies will visit Denmark and Norway. The purpose of this trip is to strengthen cooperation on hydrogen and the energy system of the future.

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Strengthening Cooperation on Sustainable Energy Solutions

The Netherlands, Denmark, and Norway are deepening their partnership on sustainable energy. Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners (CIP) is a significant contributor, managing €31 billion in capital from over 180 investors globally, making it one of the largest renewable energy fund managers worldwide.

Green Energy on Both Sides of the North Sea

In the Port of Rotterdam, CIP, along with its partner, Swedish company Vattenfall, is developing the Zeevonk offshore wind farm to generate green electricity and green hydrogen. Zeevonk is expected to become one of Europe’s largest green hydrogen production sites by 2030.

In Denmark, CIP is building a green hydrogen plant in the Port of Esbjerg. This facility will eventually transport hydrogen via pipelines to Germany and potentially to the Netherlands, aiding in the decarbonization of heavy industries. This project demonstrates how renewable energy can connect countries and drive down carbon emissions.

CIP is also collaborating with Dutch companies in Portugal, where it is developing a major green ammonia project in the Port of Sines to produce clean fuels for Europe.

The Dutch Embassy as a Vital Link

CIP has recognized the vital support provided by the Dutch Embassy in Denmark for strengthening ties with the Netherlands. The embassy organizes regular meetings, helping CIP establish connections and gain insights into the Dutch market. According to CIP, this support, along with the assistance of the Netherlands Foreign Investment Agency (NFIA), has made operations in the Netherlands smoother. During King Willem-Alexander’s visit, CIP aims to further strengthen this partnership and explore new renewable energy opportunities.

The Role of Carbon Dioxide Storage in the Energy Transition

A notable example of trilateral collaboration is the technology for capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CCS). CCS is one of the few methods available to reduce emissions from high-pollution industries. This method captures CO₂ at the source, liquefies it, and transports it to a storage location where it is stored deep underground in depleted oil and gas fields.

The objective of CCS is to prevent CO₂ from entering the atmosphere, thus contributing to climate change mitigation. CCS is crucial for industries that are still reliant on fossil fuels, as it provides a way to reduce emissions while renewable energy sources scale up.

Norwegian Seabed Storage for Other Countries

Northern Lights is the first project to offer CO₂ storage infrastructure as “open source,” meaning that other companies and countries can use this storage for their CO₂ emissions without building their own infrastructure. Tim Heijn, General Manager of Northern Lights, explains that Dutch industries, such as those in the Port of Rotterdam, can reduce emissions affordably and sustainably by exporting CO₂ to Norway for storage. This provides a transitional solution for companies that cannot yet switch to cleaner energy sources.

The process begins with CO₂ being liquefied and transported by specialized ships to a storage facility on Norway’s west coast. From there, it is sent via pipelines to a permanent storage site approximately 2.6 kilometers beneath the seabed.

Storage for the Dutch Industry

For the Netherlands, which increasingly focuses on carbon storage and hydrogen production, Northern Lights offers a significant opportunity to lower emissions. Through this project, Dutch companies can achieve emission reductions affordably and sustainably without having to develop their own infrastructure.

With extensive ports and logistics, the Netherlands can efficiently transport CO₂ to Norway for storage. General Manager Heijn says, “By collaborating with Norway, we can assist the Dutch industry in reaching its climate goals.”

Dutch fertilizer producer Yara, one of the country’s largest CO₂ emitters, is among Northern Lights' first customers. Starting in 2026, Yara will transport CO₂ from the Netherlands to Norway for permanent storage via Northern Lights.