On March 31, 2025, Carbon Clean, a leading carbon capture technology firm, announced a strategic partnership with two prominent Danish district heating companies, Sønderborg Varme and Thisted Varmeforsyning. This collaboration aims to explore potential opportunities for carbon capture in Denmark, a country that has positioned itself as a leader in the decarbonization of heavy industry across Europe.
The partnership will focus on applying for funding from the Danish Energy Agency’s CCS Fund, which supports initiatives aimed at reducing carbon emissions. By leveraging this financial support, Carbon Clean will implement its advanced CycloneCC carbon capture technology at three selected energy-from-waste facilities, with the assistance of Scandinavian Energy Contractors (SEC).
The initiative is ambitious, targeting the capture of more than 100,000 tons of CO2 annually. This aligns closely with Denmark’s overarching goal to reduce CO2 emissions by 2.3 million tons each year by 2030. Preparatory work is already in progress, focusing on establishing the project delivery model, assessing regulatory requirements, and coordinating technical integration with various suppliers across the value chain.
Aniruddha Sharma, Chair and CEO of Carbon Clean, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership, stating, "We are thrilled to collaborate with Sønderborg Varme and Thisted Varmeforsyning to advance their carbon reduction goals with the first deployment of this innovative carbon capture technology in Denmark. Our modular ‘carbon capture in a box’ solution can be delivered in just weeks, bringing a new era of decarbonisation to the Danish market, a market that presents a number of policy incentives for carbon capture players like ourselves."
Erik Wolff, CEO of Sønderborg Varme, highlighted the importance of carbon capture for their operations, saying, "For Sønderborg Varme and Sønderborg municipality, carbon capture is an important piece in achieving a CO2-neutral energy system in Sønderborg. Carbon Clean’s innovative technology fits perfectly with an efficient district heating system like ours, where surplus heat is utilized effectively."
Adding to the conversation, Thomas Kristensen, Chairman of the Board of Thisted Varmeforsyning, remarked on the significance of the consortium's efforts, stating, "At Thisted Varmeforsyning, we are proud to be part of this consortium as part of our efforts to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions to an absolute minimum. We have been working on carbon capture for years and have found the best possible partners to help us realize our ambitions. We were the first Danish waste incinerator to install and operate a pilot project on carbon capture, and now we can be among the first to go full scale. Denmark has the potential to become a key player in global CCUS, but no country can do it alone, so we need to bring international competencies into play – and that is exactly what we are doing in this partnership."
The CycloneCC technology at the heart of this initiative represents a significant advancement in carbon capture. This breakthrough combines two process intensification technologies: rotating packed beds (RPBs) and Carbon Clean’s proprietary APBS-CDRMax solvent. The application of RPBs in a carbon capture plant is a gamechanger for the energy-from-waste sector, especially where space constraints often hinder deployment. By replacing conventional columns with RPBs, CycloneCC can reduce both the size and cost of carbon capture plants by as much as 50%.
As Denmark continues to implement progressive policies aimed at reducing carbon emissions, this partnership between Carbon Clean, Sønderborg Varme, and Thisted Varmeforsyning exemplifies a proactive approach to achieving national climate goals. The collaboration not only highlights Denmark's commitment to sustainability but also sets a precedent for similar initiatives globally.
With the project set to commence shortly, stakeholders are optimistic about the potential impact on Denmark's energy landscape. The integration of advanced carbon capture technology into existing waste management systems could serve as a model for other countries striving to meet their carbon reduction targets.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, innovative solutions like those presented by Carbon Clean and its Danish partners are essential. By harnessing cutting-edge technology and fostering international collaboration, there is hope for significant advancements in carbon capture and storage solutions that can help mitigate the effects of industrial emissions.
The commitment shown by these companies not only reflects their dedication to environmental stewardship but also underscores the importance of public-private partnerships in driving the transition towards a low-carbon future.
In conclusion, as Denmark embarks on this ambitious carbon capture project, it stands as a beacon of progress in the global fight against climate change. The successful deployment of CycloneCC technology could pave the way for similar initiatives worldwide, ultimately contributing to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future.
