Project Ruby investigates the nature of South Lolland and maps animal and plant life
From the end of March to September 2025, biologists from Ramboll will conduct nature surveys. This will take place in the area where CarbonCuts, together with Nordsøfonden, our governmental partner in the Ruby Project, is investigating the possibilities for safe and permanent CO₂storage. The nature surveys will ensure that we take the best possible consideration for nature if the project is established.
What is happening in the area?
Last month, we conducted a major 3D seismic survey of a 220 km2 area on Lolland, and we are currently investigating an old oil well from the 1950s. These activities are important elements in the overall subsurface surveys that CarbonCuts and Nordsøfonden are conducting on South Lolland for Project Ruby.
Now the time has come to also map the animal and plant life in the area in the form of a so-called nature survey. The survey will start at the end of March and run throughout the summer. The study is an important part of the environmental impact assessment required by the authorities for Project Ruby. The purpose is to ensure that we obtain the necessary knowledge to protect the area’s nature and plan with the right considerations.
“We take a systematic approach to our studies. Mapping the nature in the area now means that we can take biodiversity into account at an early stage if the project is to be realized one day,” says Vibeke Nilsson Levi, Regulatory and Environmental Manager at CarbonCuts.
Ensuring thorough studies in collaboration with experts
CarbonCuts is responsible for ensuring that all necessary environmental studies are carried out thoroughly and in a timely manner in accordance with legislation. The authorities have strict requirements for documentation of environmental conditions, which is why CarbonCuts collaborates closely with both authorities and experts in the relevant fields.
Biologists from Ramboll are conducting the nature survey for Project Ruby. They have extensive experience in recording and analyzing animal and plant life.the biologists will investigate species and natural areas in the area and ensure that data is collected correctly and according to current standards.
“The most important thing for us is to gain solid knowledge about the nature in the area so that we can take all the right considerations in our planning, which is done in close collaboration with authorities and Ramboll’s experts. The nature survey is common practice for major projects and is part of the environmental assessment required by the authorities. With the knowledge the survey gives us, we can plan carefully and minimize the impact on the environment,” explains Vibeke Nilsson Levi.
What are the biologists doing in the field?
From the end of March (week 13) until September 2025, biologists from Ramboll will move around the area and record the animal and plant species that live there. The surveys will give us and the authorities a detailed overview of the biodiversity within the Project Ruby license area.
The biologists travel in the area on foot. They will not come close to homes or buildings and will preferably work during daylight hours. However, there may be exceptions because some species are best observed after dark.biologists focus on recording and assessing species and their habitats, as well as
- map protected and rare species
- identify particularly vulnerable natural areas
- analyze possible breeding and habitat areas
Part of a larger environmental assessment
The nature surveys are part of the overall environmental impact assessment, which is a prerequisite for being granted a CO2 storage license if CarbonCuts and Nordsøfonden later decide to realize the project.
Lolland Municipality is the environmental authority and will ultimately assess the project based on the environmental studies carried out. As part of the regulatory process, a public hearing will later be held where citizens will have the opportunity to provide input.
Landowners who wish to contribute knowledge about special animal or plant species on their property are very welcome to contact us. All landowners living within the study area for the nature survey have been informed about the survey via e-boks.
Do you have any questions?
If you have any questions about Project Ruby and the survey, you are welcome to contact CarbonCuts on phone+45 59 59 90 90.