The role of CCUS in municipal solid waste incineration

Austria's endeavour to achieve climate neutrality by 2040 is an ambitious and crucial goal that requires a comprehensive and cross-sectoral transformation. Waste management plays a central role in this context, as it offers both challenges and opportunities for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. This R&D service aims to develop innovative solutions and strategies to lead the waste management sector in Austria towards climate neutrality, especially in the area of thermal treatment of municipal waste. The motivation for this project lies in the realisation that, despite ongoing efforts to reduce and recycle waste, certain emissions, particularly from municipal waste incineration plants, are unavoidable. About half of the CO2 emissions from municipal waste incineration plants (subject to strong fluctuations and depending on the input material) are currently considered to have an impact on the climate because they are of fossil origin. By investigating efficient Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies for this sector, the project offers the opportunity to make a significant contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. A further driver for the project is the need to understand and shape the economic and social impact of these technological changes. It is crucial that the transition to climate neutrality in waste management is not only environmentally, but also socially just and economically viable. This requires analysing the cost structures, possible financing models and the effects on pricing in the waste management sector as much detail as possible. In addition, one focus is on analysing the integration of CCUS technologies into the existing energy system, both at plant level and in the nationwide energy supply.