Pamhagen is testing the first CO₂-storing cycle path made from biochar!

Pamhagen is testing the first CO₂-storing cycle path made from biochar!

In Pamhagen, Burgenland, work is underway on an innovative solution that could make road construction more environmentally friendly. A new cycle path that stores CO₂ is being tested in collaboration between PORR, the Burgenland Business Agency and the state of Burgenland. The cycle path uses a special asphalt that contains up to five percent biochar. This coal, which is obtained from broken reeds and other regional residues, is treated using a pyrolysis process. This means that the CO₂ is fixed in the plant material and can no longer escape into the atmosphere, which could sustainably reduce the ecological footprint of transport.

The CEO of PORR, Karl-Heinz Strauss, praises the project as practical and sees it as a basis for further applications. However, there are challenges, such as the limited availability of suitable raw materials, which are particularly important in larger road construction projects. One kilometer of highway requires between 10,000 and 15,000 tons of asphalt, so obtaining sufficient amounts of biochar can be a significant hurdle. It therefore makes sense to start with smaller projects such as cycle paths or parking spaces.

Materials and sustainable processes

A significant aspect of the project is the adaptation of the recipe in the PORR large-scale mixing plant in order to use the mixture effectively on site. In addition to the project in Pamhagen, PORR is also working on other low-emission building materials. In Vienna Simmering, asphalt is already produced using up to 100 percent recycled material. The aim is to reduce production temperatures in order to reduce energy consumption and CO₂e emissions. For this purpose, special bitumen additives and technical adjustments to the mixing plants are used.

Given these advances, it is clear that collaboration between material manufacturers, construction companies and clients is essential. An express request from the client for green asphalt or concrete can trigger pilot projects. If you consider the current challenges, be it the cost structure or the availability of raw materials, one thing is clear: the path to more sustainable road construction is only possible through close cooperation and through innovative approaches.

Groundbreaking advances are also being made in the digital world. On September 13, 2023, Google presented new functions for its AI platform Gemini. The updates aim to make Gemini more personalized, proactive and advanced. Of particular note is the new feature that allows Gemini to consult previous conversations to better understand user preferences. The answers are adapted to previous interactions, creating a more individual user experience.

The new options will be rolled out gradually and will initially be available for the Gemini 2.5 Pro model in personal accounts in select countries. There is also a “Temporary Chats” feature that allows users to quickly interact without registering. These chats do not appear in history and are not used for personalization or training of the AI ​​models, which ensures higher data protection.

These latest developments show how technology and sustainable building practices can work hand in hand to improve our everyday lives. Looking at the individual initiatives that are being implemented both in road construction and in digital communication, it becomes clear: there is a lot of work being done here to create a better future.