On August 1, 2026, the research project „Assessment of Existing Underground Storage Sites for Temporary CO₂ Storage,“ conducted by the DBI Group, was launched. The eight-month project is investigating the potential of existing underground storage sites—particularly salt caverns—for the temporary storage of carbon dioxide (CO₂).
The capture, transport, and permanent storage of CO₂ will play a key role in achieving national and European climate goals. As the necessary transport and storage infrastructure is developed, there is a growing need for flexible storage solutions capable of storing CO₂ for limited periods of time. Against this backdrop, the project is evaluating the technical suitability of existing underground storage sites for use as temporary CO₂ storage. The study examines geological and thermodynamic aspects as well as operational issues and the potential impact of previous storage use on CO₂ quality.
The project results are intended to help provide a better understanding of the potential and challenges of interim CO₂ storage and to define the role of interim storage facilities within a future CO₂ infrastructure.