Analysis and utilisation of natural and technical carbon sinks in the Austria-Hungary border region

Energie & Umwelt

Increasing soil stability and water and nutrient storage capacity by utilising biochar from waste materials and thus helping plants to adapt to climate change. Identifying potential areas of application for the biochar produced in the region. In order to achieve the national climate targets, solutions are being developed to increase the adaptability of nature conservation, field and forest areas.

Acronym

CS4Region

Project running time

01/10/2024 - 30/09/2027

Projectbudget in EUR

919.391,20

The CS4Region project deals with the identification and optimisation of natural and technical carbon sinks in the Austria-Hungary border region and their contribution to climate change adaptation and the achievement of climate neutrality. Biogenic waste such as tree, shrub and grass cuttings produce unwanted carbon dioxide through their decomposition processes. The thermochemical treatment of this waste by means of pyrolysis produces climate-friendly biochar, which acts as a technical carbon sink on the one hand and on the other hand contributes to the resilience of trees and plants and can protect local biodiversity against drought and extreme weather conditions. In addition to the utilisation of biogenic waste, a disposal concept for invasive neophytes occurring in nature parks in the border region is also being developed on the basis of the thermochemical approach. The current carbon storage potential for natural carbon sinks in the border region will be determined through a comprehensive status quo analysis and a cross-border database will be developed according to vegetation and tree species, the data from which will then be transferred to a model. The result of the model is an estimate of the carbon storage potential of the border region, taking into account the derived increases in potential against the background of climate change.