Positive for both the climate and the region. When we discuss reducing climate impact, it often means cutting carbon dioxide emissions; however, reducing is not always enough. To truly lower the amount of CO₂ we must also remove the carbon dioxide that is already in the atmosphere; this is called negative emissions. But what do negative emissions mean in practice, and how can companies use them to strengthen their sustainability profile?
What are negative emissions?
Negative emissions mean that we are not only reducing CO₂ emissions but removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere entirely. The first thing to know is that the Filborna district heating Plant emits both fossil and biogenic carbon dioxide. Fossil CO₂ primarily comes from burning plastic, while biogenic CO₂ comes from materials like paper, pulp and wood. We aim to capture both fossil and biogenic CO₂ at the CCS facility at Filborna. But when we capture and store biogenic carbon dioxide, that is, CO₂ from organic materials like wood and paper, we not only reduce emissions; we remove CO₂ from the atmosphere. We create what is known as a carbon sink, or negative emissions.
How does biogenic CO₂ create a carbon sink?
Biogenic CO₂ differs from fossil CO₂ because it is already part of nature’s cycle. Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide from the air as they grow and rerelease it when they decompose or are burned.
This is where CCS comes in:
• By capturing and storing biogenic CO₂ before it is released, we break the natural cycle and create a carbon sink. The carbon dioxide that would otherwise have returned to the atmosphere is stored permanently, reducing the total amount of CO₂ in the air.
• The captured CO₂ is pumped into the bedrock and turns into stone, where it stays forever.
• The result is less CO₂ in the atmosphere, a direct win for the climate.
At the Filborna Plant, we emit 200,000 tonnes of CO₂ per year; half fossil and half biogenic. By capturing and storing biogenic carbon dioxide, we remove CO₂ from the atmosphere and create negative emissions, which is a positive outcome.
How can companies buy negative emissions from Öresundskraft?
Many companies actively work to reduce their emissions by switching to fossil-free energy sources, improving transportation efficiency, and optimising production processes. But there is always some carbon dioxide that is difficult or impossible to eliminate; for example, from essential raw materials, plastic packaging, or transport. This is where the opportunity to buy negative emissions comes in.
Here’s how it works:
- The company buys negative emissions equal to its remaining CO₂ emissions
- We capture and store the same amount of biogenic carbon dioxide from the Filborna Plant
- That CO₂ is gone from the atmosphere forever
This way, companies can offset their emissions and achieve net-zero status more quickly.
Why do companies want to buy negative emissions?
There are several reasons companies invest in negative emissions:
• To meet climate targets, many companies have set their own goals to become climate-neutral, and negative emissions offer a concrete way to achieve that.
• To strengthen their brand, sustainability is becoming increasingly important to customers, investors, and employees. Demonstrating that a company is actively removing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere enhances credibility.
• To stay ahead, EU regulations on emissions are constantly tightening. By investing in negative emissions now, companies can adapt in time and avoid high costs in the future.
• To contribute to regional development, when companies purchase negative emissions from Öresundskraft, they not only support their own climate efforts but also strengthen Helsingborg’s position as a sustainable and innovative city.
What does this mean for Helsingborg and the region?
Companies buying negative emissions from Öresundskraft benefit not only themselves but all of Helsingborg, Skåne, and the climate as a whole:
Less carbon dioxide in the atmosphere – when we create negative emissions by capturing biogenic CO₂, we are removing carbon from the air.
A stronger business sector – sustainable companies attract more customers, investors, and partners.
Innovation and jobs – CCS technology creates new opportunities for innovation and employment in the region.
Affordable district heating – a functioning CCS facility allows the Filborna Plant to keep district heating a sustainable and affordable option.
Summary. Why negative emissions matter
- Biogenic CO₂ can be stored to create a carbon sink and reduce the amount of CO₂ in the air, known as negative emissions
- Companies can buy negative emissions from Öresundskraft to offset their emissions
- This helps companies reach climate targets, strengthen their brand, and stay ahead in the transition
- It benefits the entire region by reducing emissions, creating jobs, and keeping district heating costs down
In other words, negative emissions are something positive and a necessary investment for both the climate and the future.
