In a major step towards Denmark’s climate ambitions, Norne Thorning Storage ApS (Norne), a Fidelis New Energy, LLC company, has been granted the exploration license for the Thorning geological structure in Jutland by the Danish Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities. This license marks a significant milestone in Denmark’s journey toward establishing safe and permanent carbon capture and storage (CCS) infrastructure.
Under the newly awarded license, Norne will initiate a comprehensive exploration work program to evaluate the viability of the Thorning structure for long-term CO₂ storage. The initiative is being conducted in collaboration with joint venture partner Nordsøfonden, which represents the Danish state. If the geological structure is found suitable, the partnership will have the exclusive right to apply for a full CO₂ storage license, subject to approval by the Danish Energy Agency (DEA) and other environmental and safety requirements.
“This is a critical step forward for Denmark and the EU in realising their decarbonisation goals,” said Lars Bo Christiansen, President of Norne Climate Impact. “Our exploration program has been meticulously planned to gain a deep understanding of the subsoil, and includes aerial seismic surveys with minimal environmental impact, extensive 3D seismic mapping, and exploration and appraisal wells.”
Ross, Norne’s Exclusive Subsurface and Wells Partner, has played an instrumental role in shaping the exploration strategy, leveraging its deep experience with Denmark’s geological formations.
Norne has been backed by Fidelis New Energy, LLC since 2021 and was designated as an EU Project of Common Interest (PCI) by the European Commission in 2023. The Thorning license adds to Norne’s growing portfolio and strengthens Denmark’s role as a European leader in carbon capture and storage solutions.
“We look forward to working closely with the DEA and our partners at Nordsøfonden to explore the full potential of Thorning,” said Bengt Järlsjö, Co-Founder and President of Fidelis New Energy. “This license award reaffirms Denmark’s leadership in sustainable decarbonisation, supporting hard-to-abate industries across Denmark and Europe with an integrated, cost-effective, and safe CO₂ storage solution.”
A cornerstone of Norne’s concept is its flexibility in CO₂ delivery. The company plans to establish a receiving terminal at the Port of Aalborg, enabling the import of CO₂ from Danish, Baltic, and European emitters. This infrastructure promises to significantly reduce the environmental and financial cost of carbon reductions while serving both domestic and international industry stakeholders.
