Questions and Answers about BECCS

Even if global emissions are reduced, we still need to remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to meet the climate goals. With our planned carbon capture facility, Stockholm will be one of the first cities in the world to capture carbon dioxide at scale – all while continuing to provide reliable district heating and cooling to the city. That’s quite remarkable.

When Stockholm Exergi generates heat and electricity using biomass – made from forestry residues – the carbon dioxide released during combustion is the same CO₂ that was previously absorbed by trees through photosynthesis.
By capturing and storing that carbon permanently, we create carbon removals, also known as negative emissions. These removals reduce the amount of CO₂ in the atmosphere, making a meaningful contribution in the fight against global warming.

The full-scale facility will have the capacity to capture 800,000 tonnes of biogenic carbon dioxide every year. That’s more than the annual fossil emissions from all road traffic in Stockholm.

The project is supported by three financial pillars:

1. EU Innovation Fund
2. Swedish state support through the Energy Agency’s reverse auction
3. Revenue from companies purchasing certified carbon removal credits

The voluntary market already makes up the largest share of the total financing.

No. Carbon capture is a separate business area within Stockholm Exergi. The BECCS facility will finance itself independently and carry its own costs. District heating customers will not be affected.

Many companies are reducing their emissions – and that’s the first step. But in some industries, such as agriculture or chemicals, it’s technically or economically impossible to reach zero emissions. That’s where carbon removals come in – helping to neutralise the residual emissions that remain after all other measures have been taken.

The groundbreaking for our new facility in Energihamnen, Värtan, took place in June 2025. Over the summer, we began clearing the site, including removing storage tanks and preparing the ground for construction. Key activities include:

• Pipeline bridge. In mid-September, we began constructing a pipeline bridge from the Värtaverket plant, across Lidingövägen, to the new facility. The pipeline will rest on pillars placed along Kolargatan and into the port area.
• Foundation work. We are building two large foundations for the pipeline bridge, involving pile driving. To reduce disturbance, we are using a screw piling method that minimizes noise compared to traditional hammer or vibration piling. Noise barriers are also installed around machines.
• Minor foundations. Smaller supports for the pipeline are being constructed along Värtaverket near Kolargatan. This work involves both noise and construction traffic, and will be completed by summer 2026.
• New quay. The existing quay (Kaj 503) is being rebuilt from both land and water. Work is allowed on weekends (daytime) during autumn 2025. We are using noise-reducing measures wherever possible.
• Groundwork. Preparations on the port side are ongoing, including laying the foundation for the main building.
• Planned start of operations: End of 2028.

We are doing everything we can to minimise disturbance for those living near the site.

• Pedestrian and cycle paths have been rerouted following guidance from the City of Stockholm to ensure safety during construction. Norra Hamnvägen has been closed, and a temporary pedestrian and cycle path has been built along Lidingövägen.
• Noise levels are regulated through our environmental permit. However, some noise is inevitable during a construction project. Activities and transport may cause occasional disruption.

We want the new facility to blend into the city and serve as a visual connection between southern Värtan and Norra Djurgårdsstaden.

• The building is designed by Urban Design, who also created the award-winning Värtaverket.
• The façade is built from both new and reused bricks, inspired by nearby industrial architecture.
• The height of the building will match the scale of typical residential blocks.
• The street in front will be developed into a pleasant walking and cycling route.

Yes, some noise is expected during construction. However:

• We’re doing our best to minimise noise through planning and use of quieter technologies, like screw piling.
• Noise limits are regulated by our environmental permit, and noise monitors are installed at various locations to track sound levels.
• Noise barriers are placed around equipment to reduce disruption for neighbours.

Some sources of noise will exist, but they will mainly be enclosed within the building. Sound from the facility will not be noticeable to residents nearby.

Yes, CO₂ transport will add about 1–2 ships per week. However, this is a small increase compared to current harbour activity.

The transport ships will be newly built and designed for quiet operations, including no idling engines while in port, which helps reduce overall noise levels.

No. BECCS acts as an additional flue gas treatment step and does not introduce any new sources of odour.

Yes. The facility poses no danger to nearby residents. It is subject to a strict environmental permit, with detailed risk assessments and safety protocols. We comply with all requirements and work actively to minimise potential risks.

Why is the pedestrian and cycle path on Norra Hamnvägen closed?

For safety reasons. Following guidance from the City of Stockholm, paths have been rerouted. A temporary combined pedestrian and cycle path now runs along Lidingövägen.

Once liquefied, the carbon dioxide is temporarily stored in Energihamnen before being transported by ship or train to permanent storage sites.

The CO₂ will be shipped from Stockholm to Northern Lights’ storage site near Bergen, Norway, where it will be stored permanently in bedrock, 2,000 metres beneath the seabed.

Yes. These storage sites are carefully monitored and evaluated for long-term safety. Studies show that over 99% of the carbon remains securely stored after 1,000 years.