Holistic system development in context of the total energy system is important to maintain the competitiveness of the gas infrastructure, maximise the value of the resources on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) exploring future opportunities and innovations can enhance the overall efficiency and sustainability of the energy.
The Norwegian energy reserves, natural gas, hydro power and wind, along with the CO2 storage potential on NCS, are essential to decarbonise the European energy system.
Low carbon initiatives
Gassco work continuously to secure energy supply from the NCS through sustainable and forward-looking development of the infrastructure. The energy transition triggers changes that may affect the infrastructure under Gassco’s responsibility, and CCS is set to have a critical role in meeting Europe’s climate targets. Gassco’s current engagement includes the initiative below.
In the same way as Gassco work on holistic system development for the natural gas infrastructure on NCS on behalf of The Norwegian Energy Department and the industry, it is now indicated by the Norwegian Ministry of Energy that Gassco will have a similar role for potential future CO2 transport infrastructure. Several storage licenses have been awarded and the Ministry has asked the licensees to already facilitate Gassco starting work as an architect for CO2 transport solutions for the relevant projects, with an aim to optimise potential synergies and utilise economics of scale in the development of comprehensive solutions for CO2 transport to the NCS together with the industry.
CO2T project is maturing the option of developing a large scale CO2 offshore pipeline transport capacity from northwestern Germany to NCS.
A feasibility study for possible CO2 offshore large scale transport solutions was completed 2023 considering both pipeline and ship based solutions to NCS storages. The study was continued into a preparations for concept phase focusing on framing a concept study for a pipeline solution from Germany to NCS storages (CO2T). This phase was completed in March 2025.
On behalf of seven storage license owner on the NCS the project is now maturing the CO2T business case including close collaboration with prospective users and onshore transport grid developer in Germany. The project has been granted PCI (Project of Common Interest) status by the EU Commission as part of a larger initiative called EU2NSEA. This initiative includes numerous projects that cover the entire CCS value chain.
In the application for the renewal of the PCI status submitted December 2024, Gassco joined as the promoter of the trunkline system CO2T on behalf of eight storage license owners on the NCS. The project is planned to be operational from 2030.
Gassco has been working with the hydrogen value chain for several years, through research and development. The R&D program New Value Chains covers pipeline transport of hydrogen from Norway to Europe, both through existing and new pipelines, technology development, and knowledge building throughout the value chain. The program supports, among other things, several research centres for environmentally friendly energy (FME) within hydrogen.
In the parliamentary report Meld. St. 11 (2021–2022), Gassco’s mandate was expanded to include the architectural function for future hydrogen infrastructure for large-scale export to Europe.
Gassco was leading the work on behalf of the industry regarding Hydrogen transport from Norway to Germany in the H2T project, as part of the German-Norwegian Energy Cooperation.
- Hydrogen architect
- R&D (TQP, FME centers)
- German-Norwegian Clean Energy Cooperation
In January 2022, discussions were initiated between Germany and Norway to strengthen and further develop the countries’ 40-year-long energy cooperation.The work is mainly focused on the energy transformation, and the countries agreed to carry out a joint feasibility study of large-scale hydrogen production in Norway, and transport and distribution to consumers in Germany.
Gassco was asked to lead the Norwegian part of this joint feasibility study, together with our German cooperation partner DENA. The purpose of the study has been to verify whether a hydrogen value chain from Norway to Germany is feasible both technically and commercially.The premise for the feasibility study is that the work is carried out by industry for industry, based on real projects in all parts of the value chain. The deliveries from this work will form a basis for decision-making for any further maturation of the hydrogen value chain.The work was based on a potential start-up in 2030.
Read the report here. - H2T project