Bio-CCS facility for carbon capture planned in Energihamnen

Stockholm Exergi is planning to build Europe's largest bio-CCS facility in Energihamnen. The Land and Environment Court has granted an environmental permit for the facility, which, once operational, will be capable of capturing 800,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, exceeding the emissions from road traffic in Stockholm over the same period. The facility will be a crucial component in achieving both Stockholm's and Sweden's climate targets.

In 2016, Stockholm Exergi's new bioenergy combined heat and power plant was inaugurated in Energihamnen, a part of the Stockholm Royal Seaport development area. The facility operates on renewable energy derived from forestry and sawmill industry by-products. Stockholm Exergi plans to implement BECCS technology (Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage), involving the separation of carbon dioxide from the plant's flue gases and its compression into liquid form. The facility is set to become one of Europe's first large-scale carbon capture plants. Its location is optimal due to its proximity to existing port operations, enabling efficient transportation of the liquefied carbon dioxide to permanent storage sites where it will mineralise and integrate into the bedrock.

In late March 2024, the Land and Environment Court approved Stockholm Exergi's application to construct and operate the facility. However, final implementation requires solutions for permanent storage and financing.

Stockholm Exergi has secured funding from the EU Innovation Fund, and in 2025 was also allocated resources through a state auction for BECCS support. The approved funding amounts to more than SEK 20 billion and will be disbursed over a maximum period of 15 years from the commencement of geological storage.

The facility is scheduled to begin operations in 2028.

What does a bio-CCS do?

To minimise global warming in line with the Paris Agreement, carbon dioxide emissions must be significantly reduced. However, reducing carbon emissions alone will not suffice. Negative emissions are also required, which can be achieved by capturing and storing carbon dioxide in a bio-CCS facility. In the new facility, carbon dioxide is separated from the flue gases of the biomass power plant and compressed into a liquid form, then transported to permanent storage where it is mineralised and becomes part of the bedrock.

Article Published: 19/04/2024 Updated: 27/05/2025