On March 18th and 19th, 2025, the COREu annual meeting took place in Brussels, bringing together nearly 100 participants from 43 partner organizations across 13 countries. This gathering marked a significant milestone in the project's journey, showcasing the collective achievements and future plans of the consortium.

Organized by SINTEF, the project coordinator, the meeting was a vibrant display of energy and motivation. The enthusiasm of each partner was palpable, making the event truly inspiring. Over the course of two days, participants engaged in dynamic discussions and workshops aimed at strengthening the team and coordinating efforts. The dedication and enthusiasm of all partners were evident, underscoring their commitment to the project's success.

The event's program reflected the size and scale of the COREu project, with work package and task leaders providing updates on the progress made towards the project's ambitious goals since its inception in January 2024. Significant advancements have been achieved in several key areas:

• Scientific Basis: Progress in CO₂ capture and storage technologies.
• Environmental and Social Aspects: Ensuring sustainable development and social acceptance of CCS technologies.
• Demo Design: Preparing for full-chain demonstrations in Greece and other regions.
• Dissemination and Communication: Enhancing public understanding and stakeholder engagement.
• Demand Creation: Developing new CCS routes and clusters to accelerate deployment across Europe.

Francesco Finotti, Technical Coordinator and Senior Business Developer at SINTEF Energy Research, remarked, “I saw motivated and enthusiastic people and every slide was rich in content. There is so much being done and it is all relevant to the race to accelerate the deployment of CCS."

Chiara Caccamo, Coordinator of COREu and Research Manager at SINTEF Energy Research, added, “The commitment of the partners to these goals is tangible. All work packages are working well together, everyone is keen to contribute and progress has been made in all areas, from the scientific basis to environmental and social aspects, demo design, dissemination, communication, and demand creation. It is very motivating to work on this project and with this consortium. We are satisfied with the progress."

The COREu annual meeting in Brussels was a testament to the dedication and collaborative spirit of the consortium. As we move forward, the shared vision and commitment of all partners will continue to drive the project towards its ambitious goals, paving the way for a sustainable and impactful future in CO₂ capture and storage technologies.