The storage of excess carbon dioxide in empty gas fields deep under the North Sea is technically possible and cost effective when compared to other means of realising the government’s climate ambitions, according to new research.

The report, drawn up by Rotterdam port authority, Gasunie and Energiebeheer Nederland, concludes that it will be possible to remove between two million and five million tonnes of CO2 emitted by port industries this way every year.

If realised, some of the CO2 produced in the port will be piped to the nearby greenhouse growing industry. The rest would be piped to empty gas chambers some 25 kilometres off the coast.

The feasibility study for the underwater CO2 storage investigated techniques, the market, environment, costs, policy and the range of the project. The financial and technological aspects will be studied in more detail in the coming months.

A decision about the investment is expected next year.