- The project aims to capture 700,000 tons of CO2 annually by 2030.
- Green hydrogen from VERBUND will be used to convert CO2 into renewable hydrocarbons.
- The initiative will produce synthetic fuels and value-add plastics.
- The project is divided into 3 phases, with full-scale operation targeted by 2030.
Project Overview
Lafarge, OMV, VERBUND, and Borealis have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to develop a full-scale plant by 2030 aimed at capturing CO2 and converting it into synthetic fuels, plastics, and other chemicals. This initiative, named Carbon2ProductAustria (C2PAT), seeks to establish a cross-sectoral value chain for carbon capture, significantly reducing emissions from cement production.
CO2 Capture and Utilization
The project plans to capture nearly 100% of the 700,000 tons of CO2 emitted annually from Lafarge’s cement plant in Mannersdorf, Austria. The captured CO2 will be combined with green hydrogen produced by VERBUND to create renewable-based hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons can then be used to produce renewable fuels or serve as feedstock for Borealis to manufacture value-add plastics.
Green Hydrogen Integration
VERBUND will supply green hydrogen, produced through the electrolysis of water using renewable energy. This green hydrogen is crucial for transforming the captured CO2 into valuable products, offering significant potential for decarbonizing CO2-intensive industrial processes.
Project Phases and Timeline
The C2PAT project is structured into three phases. Phase 1 involves evaluating and developing a joint strategy for project development, business modeling, and process engineering. Phase 2 aims to develop and realize a cluster of industrial pilot plants in Eastern Austria by 2023. Phase 3 will scale up the project to capture and utilize 700,000 tons of CO2 annually, demonstrating its global scalability by 2030.
Regulatory and Financial Framework
The success of the C2PAT project will depend on favorable financial and regulatory conditions at both the EU and Austrian national levels. The collaboration aims to showcase an innovative and viable solution for achieving a Zero CO2 economy in Europe.
