Sluiskil – September 09, 2026 -- Europe's largest industrial carbon capture facility was officially inaugurated today at Yara International's ammonia and fertilizer plant in Sluiskil, the Netherlands, establishing the continent's first complete cross-border value chain for capturing, transporting and permanently storing CO2.
Facility captures up to 800,000 tons of CO2 annually from ammonia production
The plant, part of Europe's largest ammonia and fertilizer complex, will capture and liquefy up to 800,000 tons of CO2 per year, avoiding carbon taxation on those volumes. Over the next 15 years, the project is expected to capture and store approximately 12 million tons of CO2, contingent on supportive regulatory conditions.
Northern Lights ships CO2 to Norway for burial 2,600 meters beneath the seabed
Captured CO2 will be liquefied and temporarily stored on-site before Northern Lights vessels transport it to Øygarden, Norway, where it will be permanently stored 2,600 meters below the seabed. Northern Lights Managing Director Tim Heijn said operations now realize an agreement signed in 2023, calling the launch a milestone for Europe's carbon management market.
Norwegian and Dutch prime ministers attend launch alongside EU climate commissioner
The inauguration drew Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre, Dutch Prime Minister Rob Jetten, and European Commissioner for Climate, Net Zero and Clean Growth Wopke Hoekstra. Yara CEO Svein Tore Holsether said the facility proves large-scale industrial decarbonization is achievable now, arguing Europe must cut emissions while retaining industry, jobs and value chains domestically amid intensifying global competition.
Technology targets energy-intensive sectors including fertilizers, cement and waste management
Commissioner Hoekstra said the Sluiskil project shows how innovation and cross-border cooperation can deliver practical climate solutions while strengthening industrial competitiveness. Yara stated the captured-carbon capacity will support low-carbon fertilizers, low-carbon ammonia for industrial and clean energy applications, and low-carbon fuels for the maritime sector.