A methodology for the determination of future Carbon Management Strategies: A case study of Austria

The achievement of global climate targets outlined in the Paris Agreement represents a critical challenge in the coming decades. Certain industry sectors cannot completely avoid all emissions from their processes. In this context, the term unavoidable or Hard-to-abate emissions is used. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) are recognized as essential components for addressing those emissions to achieve Net Zero Emissions. To identify effective Carbon Management Strategies, balancing future CO2 sources and possible sinks for achieving long-term climate targets is essential. Especially in Austria hardly any comprehensive studies have been carried out. This work presents a comprehensive analysis of Austria’s CO2 point sources as well as their projected development until 2050 based on technology-based scenarios. Geological CO2 storage in Austria is primarily feasible in former hydrocarbon reservoirs and saline aquifers. Future demands for CO2 as CCU feedstock will arise in the chemical industry. By 2050, industry will emit approximately 4 Mt of unavoidable CO2 annually. These emissions must be stored in the long term and correspond to the minimum demand for CCS. Fugitive emissions from agriculture, for example, cannot be captured. Thus, they are not subject of CCU/S measures. Negative emissions are therefore necessary to achieve the climate targets. These negative emissions and the possible use of CO2 as feedstock are covered by biogenic CO2.