FULL-SCALE WASTE-TO-ENERGY CCS AT HAFSLUND CELSIO’S WTE PLANT IN OSLO

Despite challenges and hurdles, the full-scale WtE CCS facility at Hafslund Celsio’s plant in Oslo, Norway, is in full swing. Read more about the latest developments in this article!

Full-scale Waste-to-Energy CCS

This work is part of the Inter-Task Project (ITP) Management of biogenic CO2: BECCUS Phase 2. The focus of this item in on WtE CCS, i.e. WP2 that was published as a report in May 2025.

Phase 2 of the BECCUS ITP broadens its scope, focusing on cross-sector and cross-country learning for implementing BECCUS using various energy conversion methods (WP2–WP4). It also explores how BECCUS systems integrate with the broader energy system and interact with other services (WP5). The project distinguishes between BECCS and BECCU, especially regarding business models and policy (WP6). It assesses BECCUS’s climate impact and CO₂ mitigation potential (WP7) and synthesizes findings into policy recommendations (WP8). This phase builds on Phase 1 with a more systemic approach, involving collaboration across IEA Bioenergy Tasks 32, 33, 34, 36, 40, 44, and 45.

The first-of-its-kind full-scale CCS project at a WtE plant (including transport and permanent storage in collaboration with Northern Lights through the Longship project) has progressed despite numerous challenges, thanks in great part to the commitment of those involved. Key lessons learnt include the importance of perseverance, patience, and thorough evaluation of all aspects of the project. Infrastructure and organizational needs are often underestimated, especially the provision of electricity, transport, as well as the significant need for space (especially challenging in urban settings) and for a temporary storage facility. In addition, political or societal challenges may arise.

Hafslund Celsio’s WtE plant in Oslo, Norway and its upcoming carbon capture facility.

Integrating new systems into existing operations is complex, and managing various levels of process maturity is not an easy task. In this particular case, a bold cost-cutting phase lasting over a year, helped to revitalize the project that resumed in January 2025 with new FEEDS, new vendors and a revised investment plan between the Norwegian government, the city of Oslo and Hafslund Celsio. The CCS value chain should be fully operational by 2029.

Last but not least, a special emphasis has been put on identifying revenue streams. The project is committed to be a driving force in the development of the emerging CDR (Carbon Dioxide Removal) market and entered the world’s first commercial offtake agreement on CDR from WtE in April 2025.

Read the short report to discover more exciting details! Clink hereI

Interested in the Inter-Task Project (ITP) Management of biogenic CO2: BECCUS Phase 2? Click here!