The Launch Stores Project: Key Enabler of the Aramis Value Chain

Demonstrating Commercial CO₂ Injection in Depleted Gas Fields

The Launch Stores project, a collaboration between TotalEnergies and Shell, focuses on realising the first two offshore CO₂ storage sites of the Aramis carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain.

This project aims to advance technological innovation to deliver reliable and affordable CO₂ storage solutions that support Europe’s environmental goals and industrial competitiveness.

With a combined CO₂ storage capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa), the Launch Stores project will contribute significantly to the emission reduction targets set out in the Dutch Climate Agreement and the European Union's Green Deal.

Aramis Value Chain

The Launch Stores will store CO₂ from different sectors and multiple industrial installations. The CO₂ will be captured, transported to offshore storage sites and safely injected into depleted gas fields at a depth of 3 to 4 kilometres under the North Sea.

Transport to the onshore CO₂ hub at the Maasvlakte in Rotterdam will occur either in gas form through onshore pipelines or in cryogenic (liquid) form by barges and coasters via the CO₂next import terminal.

From the Maasvlakte, the CO₂ will be compressed and/or pumped to high-pressure dense phase and transported offshore via the Aramis trunkline to the storage sites.

Collaboration

The Launch Stores project is a collaboration between TotalEnergies and Shell that is focused on realising offshore CO₂ storage under the seabed of the North Sea. The project leverages the technical expertise and experience of both companies to advance carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions through innovation.

The TotalEnergies Launch Store will be a partially repurposed existing gas production platform, L4A, on which new modules will be installed to enable CO₂ storage in the underlying reservoir. The Shell Launch Store will involve constructing a new platform, K14-FA-2, specifically designed for CO₂ injection.

Energie Beheer Nederland (EBN) is a partner in both the Launch Stores. Additionally, the K14-FA-2 partnership involves a collaboration between Rockrose, ONE-Dyas and Harbour Energy.

Launch Marketeer

Launch Marketeer, a joint initiative between TotalEnergies and Shell, is responsible for marketing the initial 5 Mtpa of CO₂ storage capacity and securing customer contracts for the Launch Stores.

The Launch Marketeer’s team supports customers in hard-to-abate industries across Northwest Europe, enabling them to use offshore CO₂ storage as a safe, reliable, and effective emissions reduction solution. This allows these industries to decarbonise and comply with evolving regulations while maintaining long-term competitiveness.

European Innovation Fund

The Launch Stores project is realised with financial support from the European Union’s Innovation Fund. This funding was awarded in recognition of the project’s innovative CO₂ storage technologies, as well as its process and business case innovations.

As part of the Innovation Fund, these innovative principles will be shared with the wider European community to ensure that the appropriate knowledge results in further applications of this technology.

This funding is also essential for the Launch Stores’ contribution to the EU’s climate and decarbonisation goals — particularly those outlined in the EU's Industrial Carbon Management Strategy and the Net-Zero Industry Act.

Visit the European Innovation Fund website