On 13 November, researchers, industry partners and government representatives gathered at SINTEF for this year’s gigaCCS Consortium Days. The programme included an in-depth session on the Net-Zero Industry Act (NZIA), the EU’s new framework aimed at strengthening the production and implementation of net-zero technologies. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of eight “strategic” technologies defined in this framework, which will help achieve the EU’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2050.
A Strategic Technology with Geopolitical Implications
The session was opened by Nils Røkke, SINTEF’s executive vice president for sustainability, who opened the session with a historical retrospective on Norwegian CCS efforts, which date all the way back to Lindeberg and Holt’s famous cabin trip in the 1980s (an anecdote that probably only resonates in CCS circles).
“NZIA entered into force in 2025 and requires the EU to develop 50 million tonnes of CO2 storage capacity per year by 2030. This gives CCS a new role, not just as a climate technology, but as industrial infrastructure and a geopolitical tool. Norway, with its geology, expertise and trusted reputation, has a strategic opportunity as a storage partner for Europe,” he said.
“NZIA is Europe’s response to geopolitical vulnerability and the need for greater autonomy. Norway must critically assess the effect of incorporating NZIA into the EEA Agreement, as well as the signal sent by potentially not joining.”
Perspectives from Government and Research
Lars Erik Aamot, director general at the Norwegian Ministry of Energy, presented the status of CCS licences on the Norwegian continental shelf. Aamot emphasized the need for long-term contracts and demand from emitters, and upheld the principle that “the polluter pays.”
Jorge Sánchez-Borque from the Norwegian Offshore Directorate (formerly the Norwegian Petroleum Directorate) explained that they receive 3-4 licence applications annually, and that the Norwegian continental shelf offers safe and well-documented storage capacity. He estimated that Norwegian storage could eventually cover twice the EU’s target, but not by 2030.
Catherine Banet, professor of law at the University of Oslo, pointed out that the NZIA is based on the logic of the EU internal market, and that the Norwegian continental shelf, which is situated outside the EEA area, is not automatically included. She highlighted that the NZIA provides Norway with a new narrative for developing a market for storage services, but legal clarifications will be required.
Industry Needs and Challenges
Eadbhard Pernot from the Zero Emissions Platform (ZEP) provided insight into the background of the NZIA, which emerged in response to the U.S.’ Inflation Reduction Act. He stressed that the EU is focused on its internal market, and that storage in Norway will not “count” under the NZIA unless Norway incorporates the framework into the EEA Agreement.
Pia Prestmo from Heidelberg Materials challenged the authorities on the procurement side: Why doesn’t the state use public procurement to create demand for zero-emission products? Aamot replied that, as an economist, he generally believes that direct contributions, such as investments in infrastructure, deliver better results than requirements imposed through tendering. The panellists continued the debate.
What Is the NZIA and What Does It Mean for Norway?
- The NZIA is the EU’s industrial-policy framework for net-zero technologies.
- CCS is one of eight strategic technologies.
- The NZIA aims to realize at least 50 Mt of CO₂ storage capacity per year by 2030 by requiring oil and gas companies operating within the EU to make such capacity available. Each company is assigned a proportional responsibility for providing this capacity.
- The NZIA requires that at least 30% of public tenders be evaluated based on non-price criteria such as sustainability, data security, and supplier responsibility.
It is still unclear whether Norwegian CCS projects like Northern Lights and Smeaheia could receive strategic status and EU funding through incorporating the NZIA into the EEA agreement, negotiating bilateral solutions between Norway and the EU, or simply being part of the EU’s Emissions Trading System (EU ETS). Stakeholders will need predictability; something we can hope will materialise when the EU, and later Norway, put their legal frameworks in place.
If Norway is not included under the NZIA storage targets, there is a risk that Norwegian storage infrastructure will become less attractive, reducing Norway’s appeal as a CCS partner for Europe.
The Role of SINTEF and gigaCCS
SINTEF and gigaCCS play a central role in developing technologies, documentation and value chains that meet NZIA requirements. The Centre serves as a demonstration arena and collaboration platform for researchers, industry, and policymakers, contributing to positioning Norway as Europe’s preferred CCS partner.
“We must ensure that the Norwegian CCS industry is positioned to meet the requirements and seize the opportunities,” said Mona Mølnvik, Director of gigaCCS.
The Road Ahead: Strategic Choices for Norway
Norway stands at a crossroads. Full incorporation of the NZIA into the EEA Agreement offers access to EU funding and strategic status, but requires regulatory adjustments and raises questions about the extent to which this would be a burden or benefit for Norway.
Norway is by far the largest oil and gas producer in Europe. A tailored incorporation, with exemptions for the Norwegian shelf, could balance national control with European cooperation. Remaining outside the NZIA but offering storage through bilateral agreements provides export opportunities but weakens influence.
“It remains to be seen what both Norway and Europe ultimately choose to do. We can hope for strategic decisions that benefit the climate, ensure predictability and adequate influence, and position Norway as Europe’s preferred CCS partner,” concluded Mølnvik.
