More than a year after the European Commission granted a 205 million euro subsidy to the TarraCO2 project, promoted by Repsol and planned approximately 45 kilometers off the coast of Tarragona, the Spanish Government has yet to issue the necessary permit to assess its viability. This situation causes concern, as other European regions are advancing with similar infrastructures, which are essential for decarbonizing high-emission industrial sectors.
“"There is an urgency for CO2 capture and to advance in CO2 storage processes [like TarraCO2], where we are in full agreement."
The Department of Business and Labor shares the view of industrial sectors, such as chemicals, cement, and steel, which see a real risk of losing this opportunity. The importance of this infrastructure, which would be the first in Spain, has been highlighted by the allocation of 187 million euros to Tarragona in the latest Perte decarbonization plan, representing nearly 40% of the total aid.
The 382 million euro investment by Cemex in Alcanar to decarbonize its cement plant, with 172 million euros coming from Perte aid, increases pressure to accelerate CO2 capture and storage projects. Furthermore, the Catalan chemical industry, especially in Tarragona, is considered strategic for the European Union's autonomy.
Catalonia's rotating presidency of the European Chemicals Region Network (ECRN), which brings together 17 regions, gives the Government a key position on the steering committee of the Critical Chemical Products Alliance. This influence is intended to ensure that the Tarragona petrochemical hub, the largest in southern Europe, is included in the list of protected production centers.
