Czechia is laying the groundwork for a key climate solution: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS). As part of its National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), the country outlines how it will integrate CCS into its decarbonisation strategy, especially for industries where cutting emissions is difficult or even impossible without it. This strategy is detailed in the CCUS Action Plan, published in 2025 by the Ministry of Environment. It includes deadlines, legislation reviews, and the creation of a national CCS Platform - a new advisory body bringing together experts, industry, government, and civil society to move the sector forward. This assessment is part of a broader series by Bellona Europa, a partner in the EU-funded COREu project, which analyses CCS planning across EU member states. These insights will help shape more robust policy recommendations and regional collaboration on climate-neutral industry.

Czechia expects captured CO₂ volumes to increase from 2.9 million tonnes per year by 2035 to around 7 million tonnes by 2050, mostly from cement, lime, biomass, and gas combustion. CCS is also mentioned as a backup option if grid limitations slow down the expansion of renewables. The country’s first full CCS project, CCS Moravia, plans to start operations in 2034. It will capture emissions at the Mokrá cement plant and store them in underground aquifers in South Moravia. Other projects may follow.

Transport and Cross-Border Connections

Because domestic CO₂ storage capacity is still limited, Czechia plans to export CO₂ to countries like Norway or Germany for storage. The country wants to repurpose existing gas pipelines for cross-border CO₂ transport and is already in talks with operators in Germany, Austria, and Slovakia. A joint study on regional CO₂ transport infrastructure is planned for completion in 2026. Road and rail options are seen as less viable due to environmental concerns, so pipeline-based transport remains the top priority.

Mapping Emissions, Finding Storage

The Czech Geological Survey estimates 1.2 billion tonnes of potential storage capacity, mainly in saline aquifers. But right now, no commercial storage sites exist. The CO2-SPICER research project tested the Zar-3 reservoir near Hodonín, but it’s too small for long-term needs. As a result, the Czech government plans to map major industrial CO₂ clusters by 2027 and complete a feasibility study for future transport and storage routes.

Funding and Gaps

Czechia relies mostly on EU funds, like the Innovation Fund and Modernisation Fund, to support CCS deployment. It is considering expanding its SMARTNET programme to help finance CO₂ transport infrastructure. However, no clear commitment has been made for additional national funding or contracts for difference to support CCS in the long term.

Social Acceptance and Regional Role

Public support is key. The CCS Platform aims to include regional governments and NGOs to inform local communities about the risks, benefits, and goals of CCS. A planned CO₂ hub in South Moravia, part of the COREu project, could become a central piece of the country’s CO₂ transport network.

Czechia has made real progress, especially since its NECP draft. But gaps remain:

• No operating storage facilities
• Uncertain public financing
• Lack of national support tools for private investors

Bellona Europa recommends Czechia: Prioritise public support for high-impact CCS projects, especially in sectors with few alternatives. Guarantee sustainability and integrity for bio-based CCS solutions (BECCS), with strict monitoring and certification. Assess how much of its storage potential can be used - and when.

Czechia is moving in the right direction, but needs to act fast to turn potential into action. With the right policies and investments, it can become a key link in Europe’s carbon management network.