Frequently asked questions

Why do we need CCS?
Climate change is humanity's greatest challenge, and CO₂ emissions are the main cause. Experts, including the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) and the International Energy Agency (IEA), recognize that achieving emissions targets will be nearly impossible without large-scale CCS.
Why is CCS a ‘must-have’ for hard-to-abate industries?
Hard-to-abate industries, such as cement, have no viable alternatives to CCS for achieving meaningful emissions reductions. This is because CO₂ is not only generated through their use of fuels, but also through their production processes. 
How does CCS/CCU combat climate change?
CCS captures carbon dioxide from industrial sites, transports it, and stores it in geological formations underground. CCU goes further by converting captured CO₂ into valuable products like fuel and materials.
Is the CCS technology safe and proven?
Yes. CCS has been used safely since the 1970s. Safety is further ensured by ongoing, long-term monitoring of projects.
What happens to CO₂ stored underground?
Injected CO₂ dissolves in water and sinks due to its density, preventing it from escaping. Over time, it reacts with minerals and becomes a permanent part of the rock formation.
What is the legal situation in Austria?
CCS is not permitted in Austria, so we are not working on CCS projects there.
How many CCS plants are there worldwide?
According to the Global CCS Institute’s “Global Status of CCS 2023” report, there were 392 projects in the pipeline in July 2023 - a 102% increase from the previous year. Of these, 41 projects were operational, 26 were under construction, and 325 were in development.

Carbon Capture, Storage and Utilization