Norway and Belgium have signed a bilateral agreement to facilitate infrastructure for transporting CO2 by pipeline from Belgium to the Norwegian Continental Shelf. The agreement reflects both countries’ long-term commitment to carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a key component of Europe’s climate strategy.
The agreement was signed on 26 March 2025 at the Petroleum Museum in Stavanger by representatives of both governments. It outlines plans to transport CO2 captured at the West Flemish port of Zeebrugge to storage sites beneath the North Sea on Norway’s continental shelf.
Under the plan, a pipeline could be operational by 2031. Norwegian energy group Equinor and Belgian gas infrastructure firm Fluxys will jointly develop the project, which includes cross-border pipeline infrastructure and a land-based terminal in Belgium. The terminal will collect CO2 from multiple industrial sources across Europe for transport to offshore storage sites on Norway’s continental shelf, forming part of a broader effort to establish a scalable cross-border CO2 transport and storage network.
Terje Aasland, Norwegian Minister of Energy, said: “This agreement strengthens the foundation for a European CO2 value chain. By coordinating our efforts, the agreement marks an important milestone in the two countries’ long-standing energy cooperation and provides predictability for future CCS developments. Today we have taken a concrete step toward supporting industrial decarbonisation in Europe.”
Maxime Prevot, Belgian Deputy Prime Minister, added: “This agreement strengthens the foundations of Belgium’s and Europe’s industrial future. Cooperation with Norway on CO2 transport supports industrial decarbonisation and reflects our shared commitment to climate ambition and future resilience.”
Annelies Verlinden, Belgium’s Minister of the North Sea, said: “Belgian industry is at the forefront of the transition to sustainability, including in sectors with emissions that are difficult to reduce. Our strong cooperation with Norway is key to making carbon capture and storage a success in Belgium and across Europe. The North Sea serves as a backbone for our green industrial future, connecting our industry to effective and reliable climate solutions.”
In the photo: Signing of the agreement. Credit: Norwegian Ministry of Energy