Carbon Management für ein klimaneutrales Österreich

Meeting global climate targets according to the Paris Agreement is a critical challenge for coming decades. Certain emissions from industry, energy generation and fugitive emissions from sources such as agriculture and fluorinated gases cannot be completely avoided. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) are considered essential components for achieving the climate goals. To assess the potential of CCU and CCS for long-term climate targets, an in-depth evaluation of these technologies is required. Especially in Austria hardly any comprehensive studies have been carried out.

This work includes an extensive analysis of relevant carbon dioxide (CO₂) point sources in Austria and their projected development until 2050 using technology-based scenarios. The geological storage of CO₂ is primarily feasible in former hydrocarbon reservoirs. Current and future demands for CO₂ as raw material mainly exist in the chemical and petrochemical industry.

By 2050, Austria’s industry will emit approximately four million tons (Mt) of unavoidable CO₂ annually. These emissions need to be stored in the long term and represent the minimal demand for CCS. Fugitive emissions are not suitable for CCU/S measures. Therefore, negative emissions are essential to achieve climate goals.