Port of Aalborg Navigates the Energy Transition with Living Labs

Anchored in land at the Limfjord in Northern Jutland, Denmark and spanning 4.9 million square meters, Port of Aalborg is at the forefront of Denmark’s push toward carbon neutrality, aligning with the national goal of reducing CO₂ emissions by 70% by 2030. Together with POTENT-X, Port of Aalborg launches the Living Lab Fleet by rigging two main areas for possible inclusion:

1. Green Fuels
This includes efforts in carbon capture storage (CCS) and Power-to-X technologies. Key initiatives involve planning for a shared infrastructure through the Port of Aalborg Business Park, with the aim of connecting CO₂ sources like Aalborg Portland (a local cement plant) to potential Danish storage sites. Key initiatives also involve the development of a testing and demonstration site in collaboration with Aalborg University, which will be used for Power-to-X pilots, and potentially the testing and demonstration of other technologies in the CCS value chain. 

2.  Renewable Energy
With approximately 5 km of quay on the horizon, the port is exploring mobile battery units as a smarter, flexible alternative to traditional grid cabling—providing future shore power for vessels and support for electrified port operations. Further efforts include a potential energy community and microgrid initiative, currently undergoing a feasibility study with support from the Danish Energy Authorities, aiming to allow solar energy sharing among tenants—despite current regulatory hurdles.

All Hands on Deck

At the recent Living Lab workshop in Aalborg, stakeholders gathered to define a clear mission, purpose, and scope for the initiative. Together, they outlined a shared vision for the Living Lab as a practical platform to accelerate decarbonization and energy innovation in port environments. Discussions also addressed the mapping of key stakeholders across the port’s ecosystem. The team also began identifying regulatory and infrastructural challenges that could hinder progress. While questions remain about the road—or sea—ahead, the workshop marked an important first step toward a collaborative, mission-driven energy transition at Port of Aalborg.