Project Bifrost
– CO2 storage in the North Sea
Project Bifrost is a cross-border initiative to develop infrastructure linking European industrial hubs with underground CO2 storage in the Danish North Sea. This aims to enhance CO2 transportation and storage capacities, supporting carbon capture and storage efforts in Europe.
A project with special European status
The Bifrost Project has been designated by the European Union as part of the first list of Project of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs), issued in November 2023, with the objective of positioning Denmark as a principal CO2 storage hub to support Europe’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
The initiative focuses on transporting carbon dioxide from industrial sources and storing it offshore, with operational commencement planned for 2030.
Promoters involved in the project include TotalEnergies, Nordsøfonden, Ørsted, Evida, Port Esbjerg, ADP, ARC, Ontras and VNG. The project aims to store up to 335 million metric tons of CO2 over a span of 35 years, thereby supporting industries in their transition to biogenic fuels and contributing to negative emissions.
The portfolio of emitters for CO2 storage includes various industries from Denmark, the Baltic region, and Northwest Europe, creating a comprehensive network for CO2 storage within the country. Additionally, working with Danish, Baltic, and Northwest European emitters ensures a thorough focus, including storage options to support investments in midstream and capturing projects.
Project timeline towards first injection
Q3-Q4 2023
CO2 storage assessment and special EU status
CO2 storage assessment
Investigation of the CO2 storage capacity of the Harald fields and 3D seismic survey for the saline aquifer.
Special EU status
The European Commission adopts the first list of Project of Common Interest (PCI) and Projects of Mutual Interest (PMIs) and granted the Bifrost Project status as a Project of Common Interest (PCI).
2024
Conclusion of EUDP study-project and geophysical surveys
Conclusion of EUDP study-project
In October 2024, the EUDP Bifrost study-project was completed by the partners – TotalEnergies, Ørsted, DTU, Nordsøfonden and BlueNord.
Geophysical surveys
TotalEnergies and Nordsøfonden are proceeding with ‘Project Bifrost’ and conducting geophysical and geotechnical surveys to determine the potential location for an appraisal well in the saline aquifer.
2025
Storage potential investigation and CO2 transportation
Storage potential investigation
Investigation of connection to additional offshore storage sites to increase capacity through the analysis of the seismic survey commenced in 2023.
CO2 transportation
Offshore gas pipeline repurposing, investigating potential partnerships with infrastructure owners – terminal, pipeline and shipping.
2026 – 2027
New storage licenses and FEED
New storage licenses
New application for the existing storage licenses prior to expiration (5 years).
Front-End Engineering Design (FEED)
Emerging on the next study program focusing on the engineering design approach for pre-FEED and FEED is expected.
2028 – 2030
Storage initiated in the Danish North Sea
Execution of first injection
Project Bifrost plans to have its first injection well ready and starting in 2030 with a ramp up to 5 million tons of CO2 yearly.
Study-project EUDP Bifrost
The EUDP Project Bifrost, which concluded in October 2024, involved collaboration with Ørsted, DUC (Danish Underground Consortium), and DTU (Technical University of Denmark). This initiative assessed CO2 storage opportunities within the Harald depleted gas fields and explored a saline aquifer. By participating in both projects, Denmark aims to enhance its capabilities in energy technology development.