HERCCULES

HERCCULES is a European research and demonstration project focused on accelerating carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) across Mediterranean Europe. Funded through the European Union’s Horizon Europe programme, it brings together 25 research and industry partners to advance the development and application of the full CCUS chain. The project builds on transport and storage initiatives under development in Italy and Greece while exploring innovative carbon capture technologies.

HERCCULES supports research, collaboration and practical demonstrations designed to contribute to Europe’s carbon-neutrality goals for 2050. Its work includes project coordination, technical work packages, demonstration activities, and the publication of research findings and deliverables. One featured demonstration site is Milan’s Silla 2 waste-to-energy plant, where waste combustion produces electricity and heat for the district heating network, illustrating links between energy recovery and circular-economy practices.

Coordinated by Laboratorio Energia Ambiente Piacenza (LEAP), HERCCULES also shares information through events, news and publications, and collaborates with other CCUS projects. The project is scheduled to run for 60 months, beginning January 1, 2023.