CaCTUS - Carbon Capture & Transformation, Utilization and Storage

CaCTUS has several objectives, including (i) the identification/quantification of the technical potentials of CCUS in line with the Austrian NECP, (ii) the identification of source-specific climate impacts and sink-related net reduction potentials, (iii) the techno-economic assessment of CCUS and its contribution to climate neutrality, (iv) the evaluation of barriers and regulatory deficits preventing early implementation and impact, and (v) the elaboration of recommendations to support climate-friendly CCUS activities in Austria.
To achieve these goals, a step-by-step approach is followed to evaluate Austrian CCUS potentials on the one hand and to derive recommendations for stakeholders on the other hand. Taking into account current sources, technological developments and climate scenarios, long-term source and demand potentials for CO2 as well as geological storage potentials are estimated. A further delimitation is carried out on the basis of techno-economic and ecological objectives as well as social acceptance. In addition, a legal analysis is carried out in which the current legal framework for CCUS applications is analyzed on the basis of literature, case research and methods of legal interpretation. Based on these analyses and a stakeholder engagement process, policy briefs will be developed to advance the creation of holistic and adequate framework conditions for CCUS in Austria.