INNO-CCUS invites applications for research and innovation projects that contribute to advancing carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in Denmark. The call focuses on addressing key knowledge gaps and development needs that are important for enabling scalable and cost-effective CCUS solutions.
This call is anchored in the INNO-CCUS Impact Framework, which defines the overall strategic direction for the partnership and identifies critical inflection points in the development of the CCUS value chain.
Based on these inflection points, the call focuses on selected thematic areas where targeted research and innovation efforts are expected to contribute to progress. Within each theme, a set of strategic learning questions has been defined for this call to guide project proposals and address specific knowledge gaps.
Projects should respond directly to these learning questions and demonstrate how the proposed activities contribute to strengthening the knowledge base and supporting the continued development of CCUS in Denmark.
Theme 1: Addressing current challenges in the CCS value chain.
Uncertainty in storage capacity and lack of standardisation for shared CCS/CCU infrastructure pose significant challenges, hindering an interoperable CO₂ network for long-term deployment. A well-integrated CO₂ infrastructure, including geological storage sites, is essential for enabling CCS solutions to contribute as needed to Denmark’s climate goals.
Parallel to addressing key issues within infrastructure and storage, energy efficient CO₂ capture from industrial point sources is a key component of Denmark’s climate strategy. While first-generation capture technologies are being deployed, they face significant challenges in cost, energy efficiency, and adaptability – especially for smaller emitters and decentralised sources. Acceleration of the development of next-generation CO₂ capture technologies that enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and expand the range of viable capture solutions is needed.
The strategic learning questions listed below define some of the knowledge gaps that need to be addressed to unlock scalable CO₂ transport, storage, and capture solutions. Project applications under this theme must relate directly to one or more of these learning questions.
More details about the strategic learning questions can be found in the full call text. (Link in the box below.)
Projects must fall within TRL (Technology Readiness Levels) 3–8. Activities addressing technologies in the mid-TRL range (approximately TRL 4–7) are expected to be most relevant for this theme.
Strategic learning questions:
1.1
Where is the greatest potential for expanding Denmark’s CO₂ storage capacity, and how can geological assessments reduce uncertainty about site scalability and maturation?
1.2
What are the key technical and regulatory requirements for establishing a harmonised and interoperable CO₂ infrastructure in Denmark?
1.3
What are the key enablers for optimizing CO₂ transport and storage through digital solutions and process integration?
1.4
How can CO₂ capture processes be optimised to minimise energy consumption and improve efficiency?
1.5
How can modular and decentralised CO₂ capture systems be designed to enable cost-effective deployment for smaller and mid-size emitters?
Theme 2: Maturing CDR solutions - scalable and verified nature-based carbon removal
Achieving Denmark’s long-term climate targets requires credible and durable negative emissions. Denmark has significant potential to lead in biological and nature-based solutions (NbS) for CO₂ sequestration, a key component of the Danish CCUS Roadmap. This theme is prioritized in this call for its strategic importance in shaping future Danish ecosystems and carbon management strategies. With the Green Tripartite Agreement supporting afforestation, land-use transitions and nature restoration, projects under this theme can directly inform key decisions across these areas while also advancing broader NbS pathways such as biochar, soil carbon, and enhanced weathering.
For this call, focus is on the need to assess reduction potentials and sequestration timespans while also ensuring that nature-based sequestration is scientifically robust, economically viable, and positioned for integration into carbon markets and policy instruments.
Projects submitted under this theme must have focus on carbon removal.
More details about the strategic learning questions can be found in the full call text. (Link in the box below.)
Projects must fall within TRL 3–8. Activities addressing technologies in the mid-TRL range (approximately TRL 4–8) are expected to be most relevant for this theme.
Strategic learning questions:
2.1
How can nature-based carbon storage be optimised to enhance long-term stability and resilience?
2.2
How can carbon sequestration in nature-based systems be accurately quantified, monitored, and verified?
2.3
What management practices and interventions can enhance CO₂ uptake and storage in natural ecosystems?
Theme 3: Carbon based materials for circular technology innovation (CCU)
As Denmark scales up CCUS, carbon storage in products offers a supplement to geological storage by integrating CO₂ into durable materials, with the dual purpose of ensuring long-term sequestration while reducing reliance on fossil-based carbon. This approach aligns with Denmark’s decarbonisation and circular economy goals by enabling negative emissions and supporting CO₂ utilisation in industrial applications. However, significant research and innovation are needed to ensure material stability, process efficiency, and market viability before widespread industry adoption.
The aim of this theme is to advance research in CO₂-based materials, long-term carbon stability, and life cycle assessments (LCA) to close knowledge gaps. It addresses three key strategic learning questions as listed below.
More details about the strategic learning questions can be found in the full call text. (Link in the box below.)
Projects must fall within TRL 3–8. Activities addressing technologies in the mid-TRL range (approximately TRL 4–8) are expected to be most relevant for this theme.
Strategic learning questions:
3.1
How can CO₂-based materials be developed and scaled for long-term carbon storage?
3.2
What factors influence CO₂ storage durability in materials, and how can storage conditions be optimised to prevent re-release?
3.3
How can life cycle assessment (LCA) and circularity models enhance the effectiveness of CO₂ utilisation?
Key details
Application deadline: June 22, 2026, at 12:00 noon.
Project duration: Minimum one year. Projects must start in the second quarter of 2027 (March 1 to June 1) and must be concluded by August 31, 2031.
Total budget for call: Approximately DKK 69 million.
Funding per project: Minimum DKK 3 million. There is no maximum budget limit per project, but we expect to fund between 5 and 10 projects.
TRL levels: Between 3 and 8.
Call documents
- 01 Calltext INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 02 Process for funding INNO-CCUS pool 5 projects
- 03 Assessment criteria INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 04 Instructions for applicants INNO-CCUS pool 5 - How To Apply
- 05 Funding rates: Cost categories and State Aid Rules - INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 06 Guidelines Innomission 2025
- 07 INNO-CCUS Impact framework
- 08 The Danish CCUS Roadmap
- 09 State of CCUS (National project overview)
Templates
- 01 Key Application Information INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 02 Application template INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 03 Appendix A - Figures Pictures Tables - INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 04 Appendix B - Key persons - INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 05 Appendix C - Partner motivation - INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 06 Appendix D - Gantt template - INNO-CCUS pool 5
- 07 Appendix E - Budget template - INNO-CCUS
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FAQ
Can international partners participate in a project application?
Yes, international partners are welcome. The conditions for funding are covered in this document
Key details
Application deadline: June 22, 2026, at 12:00 noon.
Project duration: Minimum one year. Projects must start in the second quarter of 2027 (March 1 to June 1) and must be concluded by August 31, 2031.
Total budget for call: Approximately DKK 69 million.
Funding per project: Minimum DKK 3 million. There is no maximum budget limit per project, but we expect to fund between 5 and 10 projects.
TRL levels: Between 3 and 8.
Contact
If you cannot find the answers to your questions in our FAQ, please contact us at: application@inno-ccus.dtu.dk