A new cargo flow may emerge in the Klaipėda port in the future – carbon dioxide collected from the industry in the Baltic countries would be transported to the planned CO₂ transshipment terminal. It is estimated that the project could create more than 100 direct and over 1000 indirect jobs, and its experience is based on the “Northern Lights” project operating in Norway.
CO₂ capture potential in the region – millions of tons per year
The Norwegian “Northern Lights” CO₂ transport and storage project, which started operations in 2025, has become one of the most prominent examples in Europe of how CO₂ collected from industrial companies in different countries can be transported to a common infrastructure for long-term storage under the North Sea seabed. CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) technology allows CO₂ generated in industrial companies to be captured before it enters the atmosphere, transported, and safely stored in designated locations. It is especially relevant for heavy industry, such as cement production, where some emissions are difficult to avoid solely by modernizing production processes or switching to cleaner energy.
The growing demand for such services is also demonstrated by the expansion of the Norwegian project – its capacity is planned to increase from 1.5 million to more than 5 million tons of CO₂ per year by 2028.
A similar chain is planned in the Baltic countries. CO₂ collected in industrial companies is intended to be transported to the planned terminal in Klaipėda, transshipped onto special ships there, and exported to permanent storage sites in the North Sea. Thus, Klaipėda would become a connecting link between the industry of the Baltic countries and the CO₂ long-term storage infrastructure being developed in Europe.
According to Rūta Tumėnienė, Head of New Energy Sources at KN Energies, the Norwegian example is an important reference point when planning the Klaipėda terminal: “We rely on the best international practices, including the experience of Northern Lights, but the terminal’s technological and infrastructural solutions will be adapted to the planned CO₂ volumes and the needs of the region’s industry.”
According to R. Tumėnienė, market data already indicate the need for such infrastructure. A survey conducted by the company in 2025 among industrial companies in Lithuania and Latvia showed that potential CO₂ capture volumes could reach about 1.8 million tons per year by 2030, and nearly 4 million tons by 2040.
A new boost for Klaipėda’s economy
The Klaipėda terminal’s capacity is planned to eventually reach 2.75 million tons of CO₂ per year. It is also estimated that additional CO₂ flows could increase Klaipėda port’s cargo handling by about 5% and strengthen the city’s role as an energy and logistics center in the Baltic region.
According to R. Tumėnienė, the project’s economic benefits would be felt not only in the port. It is estimated that the project would create more than 100 direct and over 1000 indirect jobs, as well as stimulate the development of logistics and engineering services. Such infrastructure would also help preserve jobs in the existing industry by providing companies with more opportunities to reduce emissions.
“This is not only an environmental project but also an investment in the competitiveness of Lithuanian industry, job preservation, the growth of Klaipėda port, and the long-term economic development of the region,” emphasizes R. Tumėnienė.
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She states that the project would also increase the demand for highly qualified specialists. “It is important to develop the competencies now that will be needed in the coming years for the development of CO₂ capture, transport, and storage infrastructure. Over time, the experience and knowledge of such specialists will become an important part of the country’s competitiveness,” says R. Tumėnienė.
The project has already passed an important stage – the environmental impact assessment program for the planned CO₂ transshipment terminal in Klaipėda has been approved, and the next stage is the preparation of the EIA report.
Akmenė expects impact on the entire regional business
One of the sources of CO₂ collected in this chain will be “Akmenės cementas” – the CO₂ collected here would be transported to the Klaipėda transshipment terminal and from there exported for long-term storage under the North Sea seabed. Vitalijus Mitrofanovas, mayor of Akmenė district, says that the project’s impact should be felt not only by the company itself but also by the entire region.
“Our experience investing in the free economic zone has shown that one euro invested in industry or higher value-added technologies can create about one and a half euros of other investments around it,” says V. Mitrofanovas.
According to him, the value of the “Akmenės cementas” carbon dioxide capture project is about 500–600 million euros, so during its implementation period, the demand for accommodation, catering, construction, and various other services may grow, creating more jobs for businesses not only in Akmenė district but also in the wider region.
The mayor also associates long-term benefits with the possibility of changing the direction of the industrial region – focusing more on greener production and a smaller CO₂ footprint of products.
“Akmenė district is one of the most prominent industrial regions in Lithuania. However, we can be a municipality where large industry is green and environmentally friendly. This would also increase the attractiveness of the municipality itself. Today, all regions compete for people; we see that ecology, living environment, and the opportunity to work and live in a place where sustainability is cared for are increasingly important to young people. So I believe that the implementation of this project will definitely stir and strengthen the entire region,” says V. Mitrofanovas.
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