Progressive Energy (UK) and Pipe58 AB (SE) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to jointly advance Highway58, a cross-border carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) initiative designed to accelerate industrial decarbonisation across the Baltic Sea region.

The Highway58 project will establish a new, shared CO₂ transport network connecting industrial emitters around the Baltic Sea to both permanent storage and utilisation facilities. Given that approximately two-thirds of Sweden’s and Finland’s CO₂ emissions are biogenic, the region is uniquely positioned to enable durable carbon dioxide removals (CDR) and deliver net-negative outcomes. As such, Highway58 aims to unlock this opportunity at a large scale, bringing together CO₂-emitting industries across national borders and creating the backbone of a new Baltic Sea CCUS ecosystem that will contribute to reducing atmospheric carbon levels while strengthening European cooperation.

According to a company statement, Progressive Energy brings extensive experience from the development of complex low-carbon infrastructure projects. These include a leading role in the HyNet North West and Peak Cluster initiatives in the UK.

David Parkin, Director, Progressive Energy Ltd, said: “We see clear similarities with the industrial cluster projects we have helped develop in the UK, and we look forward to advancing Highway58 together with Pipe58.”

Together, the partners aim to work closely with industry, governments, and regulators to mature Highway58 from concept to a bankable infrastructure project, delivered at the scale and pace required to support Europe’s climate ambitions. Phase 1 of Highway58 will include an offshore pipeline backbone of more than 1,000 km, with the capacity to transport around 20 million tonnes of CO₂ per year. The goal is for Phase 1 to be operational in the early 2030s, subject to customer commitment and regulatory approvals.

Other carbon transport and storage projects similar to Highway58 include Northern Lights in Norway, Porthos in the Netherlands, and the Northern Endurance Partnership and Net Zero Teeside in the UK.