In 2024, the Northern Lights Joint Venture (NLJV) continued its work to support the development of carbon capture and storage (CCS), through operational activity and knowledge sharing. As part of the Longship project, Northern Lights has contributed to the wider CCS community by participating in conferences, hosting visits, and publishing insights aimed at informing policy, industry, and the public.
Northern Lights’ visitor centre in Øygarden recorded 5,025 visitors in 2024, organised into 306 groups. Since construction began in 2021, the facility has hosted a total of 11,513 people from 70 countries. Visitors have included representatives from industry, government, academia, and civil society.
To improve visitor coordination, a full-time liaison role was introduced, and a digital booking system was launched. A formal visitor policy was also established to ensure consistency in how visits are managed.
In 2024, Northern Lights took part in 124 events including conferences, roundtables, and webinars. The aim has been to share technical experience, participate in policy discussions, and build awareness of CCS among relevant stakeholders.
At the annual Northern Lights Summit in September, more than 100 participants attended in person, with 500 following the event online. The programme focused on cross-border cooperation, commercial frameworks, and developments in carbon markets.
Ship launch April 2024. Photo by DSOC/Northern Lights
First CO2 Ships Delivered
Two purpose-built CO2 transport ships, Northern Pioneer and Northern Pathfinder, were delivered from the shipyard in 2024. These vessels were designed for safe and efficient shipment of liquefied CO2, from capture sites in Europe to the receiving terminal in Øygarden.
The construction process provided important lessons. Modifications were made to improve flow capacity based on testing, and simulations helped assess vessel behaviour under different operational scenarios. These adjustments contributed to a more efficient delivery process for the second vessel.
Operational Insights and Learning
As CCS projects advance, differences in development pace between emitters and storage providers remain a challenge. Northern Lights highlighted the importance of clear communication, early alignment, and regulatory support to address delays in decision-making and investment.
Technical research also pointed to the need for updated CO2 quality standards. Small amounts of certain impurities may increase the risk of corrosion in infrastructure. Northern Lights plans to continue monitoring CO2 composition during operations, and will share its findings with relevant industry bodies.
Communication and Media
Northern Lights saw increased media interest in 2024, resulting in 481 articles in national and international outlets. Stories covered project milestones and explored CCS as part of the broader climate policy landscape.
The celebration of the completed Øygarden facility in September was a focal point, attracting close to 1,000 participants and wide press coverage. The event included a site tour, technical presentations, and cultural elements from the local community.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, Northern Lights will focus on preparing for the operational phase, continuing knowledge sharing, and supporting commercial scale-up. Planned activities include participation in industry forums, contributions to research, and engagement with stakeholders across the CCS value chain.
The company will also support the Norwegian government’s Longship celebration in June 2025, marking a new chapter for CO2 transport and storage in Europe.
For more information, please see the Annual Experience Report 2024 – Lessons learned andthe Annual Benefits Realisation and Knowledge Sharing Report from Northern Lights.
