The Netherlands has pledged €639 million ($726 million) to rescue the Aramis carbon capture and storage (CCS) project after Shell and TotalEnergies withdrew from funding its pipeline infrastructure. The investment secures the future of what is set to become the country’s largest CCS initiative and reinforces the nation’s commitment to ESG principles and its long-term carbon neutral strategy. 

Despite their exit from pipeline financing, Shell and TotalEnergies will continue their involvement in Aramis through the development of storage operations. This reflects a broader trend among European energy majors scaling back on renewable investments amid weakening EU climate ambitions and heightened global competition. 

“This takes away a large part of the risk in the project,” said Climate Minister Sophie Hermans, emphasizing the critical role of the Dutch government in supporting the two remaining stakeholders—state-owned energy firm EBN and gas grid operator Gasunie. 

The Aramis project is designed to connect major industrial CO₂ emitters to offshore storage sites beneath the North Sea, with a planned capacity of 22 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2030. It plays a vital role in achieving the Netherlands’ goal of reducing emissions 55% below 1990 levels by the end of the decade. As of last year, the country had achieved a 37% reduction, but climate experts warn that additional action is necessary to meet the target. 

In parallel, the Dutch government announced an €8 billion subsidy package to support sustainable energy initiatives and promote electric vehicle adoption. Industrial companies will also benefit from financial compensation to offset rising energy costs, further strengthening the country’s ESG performance. 

With the final investment decision for Aramis expected in 2026, the Netherlands is positioning itself as a leader in carbon capture technology while advancing its broader carbon neutral strategy. 

Sumber: 

https://esgnews.com/netherlands-commits-726-million-to-carbon-capture-project-after-shell-total-cut-pipeline-investment/ 

https://uk.finance.yahoo.com/news/netherlands-backs-carbon-storage-project-132800469.html 

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/cop/netherlands-backs-carbon-storage-project-total-shell-step-back-2025-04-25/