Climate change and the energy transition are becoming irreversible processes that are increasingly shaping the future of national economies. The European Union, seeking to reconcile its ambition to achieve climate neutrality with maintaining industrial competitiveness, is stepping up investment in carbon-reducing technologies. One of the most important of these is CCS technology - CO₂ capture and storage - which is no longer seen as a concept of the future and is becoming a viable tool for industrial transformation.
Poland, being the fourth largest CO₂ emitter in the European Union, has a chance not only to catch up with European leaders in this area, but also to play a key role in building a new strategic industry based on carbon capture.
New regulatory framework and EU ETS pressure to spur investment
A strong impetus for the development of CCS in Poland is the changing EU regulations. In 2024, the European Commission adopted an industrial emissions management strategy (COM/2024/62), assuming the creation of a single CO₂ market in Europe, an obligation to build storage infrastructure for oil companies and support for carbon capture and utilization projects. At the same time, the EU's Net Zero Industry Act classifies CCS as a technology of strategic importance - on a par with fuel cells, electrolyzers or RES technologies.
An additional motivating factor for investment is the gradual extinction of the system of free emission allowances under the EU ETS. For Poland, where industrial emissions reach 40.6 million tons of CO₂ per year, this means incurring ever-higher regulatory costs or taking quick investment steps in low-carbon technologies.
Geological, industrial and economic potential - Poland's competitive advantages
Poland has unique assets that allow the development of an integrated system for the capture, transport, storage, and further use of CO₂. Experts at the Instrat Foundation point out that just four sectors - metal production, cement production, the chemical sector and oil refining and coke production - together account for 15% of national emissions. Implementing CCS technology in these areas could have a measurable environmental effect, while creating a new segment of the economy based on technology, engineering expertise and cross-sector cooperation.
Poland also has one of the largest geological potentials for CO₂ storage in Europe - estimated at several hundred million tons. This means not only the possibility to decarbonize its own industry, but also to provide storage services for neighboring countries - following the Norwegian or Danish business model.
According to the "Country Climate and Development Report for Poland" (CCDR), published in 2024 by the World Bank and the Ministry of Finance, CCS is a key element of the scenario for achieving climate neutrality by 2050.
- It is not only an environmental issue, but also an energy and industrial security issue. By investing in CCS, Poland not only protects the climate, but also creates jobs - both in research and innovation, as well as in areas related to the construction and operation of infrastructure," says Radosław Gnutek, Project Director for CO₂ Capture and Storage at Holcim Poland. - It is also an opportunity to provide CO₂ storage services to other countries in the region, similar to the Norwegian model, which is already successfully operating today, he adds.
Poland's special advantage is also the geographic distribution of industrial plants scattered along the country's energy and transportation infrastructure. This creates opportunities for the creation of regional CCS clusters and cooperation within industry consortia, such as the CCUS Poland Association, which can become local centers of innovation and implementation of new models for a low-carbon economy.
Kujawy Go4ECOPlanet - a model for implementing the industry of the future
The Kujawy Go4ECOPlanet project, implemented by Holcim Poland, is the first industrial-scale CCS initiative in the cement sector in Central and Eastern Europe. Cement is one of the most carbon-intensive building materials - its production generates significant amounts of process emissions that are difficult to eliminate without the use of breakthrough technologies.
The project plans to capture up to one million tons of CO₂ per year. The installation under construction at the Kujawy Cement Plant is not only a response to the CCDR report's commitments, but also a real example of industrial leadership that combines innovation with environmental responsibility.
- It is not only an innovative technological investment, but also a response to the needs of an industry facing increasingly demanding environmental regulations and social expectations. CO₂ capture makes it possible to continue production activities while reducing the carbon footprint - a viable future for heavy industry, says Radoslaw Gnutek. - If Poland wants to keep jobs, maintain industrial sovereignty and not fall out of the EU market, it must bet on CCS development. However, regulatory support and the creation of a financial framework are necessary, including investments in transmission, storage and R&D infrastructure, he adds.
Bottom line - the strategic importance of CCS for the Polish economy
The transformation of heavy industry towards climate neutrality is inevitable. Carbon capture and storage is not only a promising technology of the future, but also a real opportunity for the Polish economy to create a new, innovative industrial sector.
Poland has geological potential, engineering competence, an industrial base and a rapidly developing scientific base. Combined with appropriate regulatory and financial instruments, it is possible to forge a new economic specialization that will not only reduce domestic emissions, but also become an object of export of technology, services and know-how.
Creating a favorable CCS ecosystem, however, requires close cooperation between the government, regulatory administrations, CO₂-emitting industries, the power and fuel sectors, storage operators, transportation companies, investors local communities.
Projects like Kujawy Go4ECOPlanet prove that CCS is no longer just a theory. It is a real technology that is already being applied in Poland today. Key political and investment decisions made in the coming years will determine whether Poland will become a leader in the development of this sector in Central and Eastern Europe, or whether it will be forced to import technology and pay for emissions that could provide the impetus for building the industry of the future.
You will be able to hear and talk about all these possibilities during the "CCS & CCUS CONGRESS - how to decarbonize while maintaining industry competitiveness?", which will take place on December 2 and 3, 2025 in Warsaw.
Why should you attend the Congress?
CCS & CCUS CONGRESS is one of the key events dedicated to carbon capture and storage technologies. Attending the congress gives you the opportunity to:
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Learn about the latest trends and innovations in the field of decarbonization.
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Exchange experiences between experts, scientists and industry representatives.
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Establish cross-sectoral cooperation that accelerates the implementation of low-carbon solutions.
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Influence the shaping of climate policy and energy transition strategies.
Who is the event aimed at?
The congress is addressed to a wide range of stakeholders involved in the development of environmental and energy technologies, including:
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Representatives of the energy-intensive, chemical, cement, refining and power industries.
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Experts and scientists involved in CCS/CCU technologies, geology, environmental engineering and energy.
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Representatives of public administration, including ministries, research institutes and government agencies.
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NGOs, think-tanks and consulting institutions.
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Investors, funds and institutions that finance environmental innovation.
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Suppliers of technology and others interested in its development.
Information about the event: on the CCS & CCUS Congress website.
