Holcim Austria CEO highlights urgent need for CO2 storage approval

Holcim Austria’s CEO, Haimo Primas, has called for the lifting of the country’s CO₂ storage ban, arguing that for the cement industry carbon capture and storage is the most sustainable solution. 

Offshore storage in the North Sea or Adriatic is not economically viable nor EU-funded, therefore, the onshore storage in depleted gas fields and using existing pipelines to transport the CO₂ is necessary.

If the ban is removed in 2024, and following planning and infrastructure development, the first CO₂ storage could start by 2032.

Holcim has already invested millions in decarbonisation and is ready to invest hundreds of millions more if the ban is lifted, but financial support is needed. Its plant at Mannersdorf alone requires EUR200-250m in funding.