Carbon Capture and Utilization
Carbon reutilization techniques and methods aim to recover carbon atoms emitted in production processes or other industrial, non-industrial activities in which carbon remains a major source of emissions. Usually, Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies can be implemented in several industries including the energy sector (e.g., synthetic production of fuels) or the chemical industry focusing on the production of green chemicals. CCU convert captured carbon into valuable materials that can be used for the production of chemicals, fuels, and plastics among other energy carriers like for example methane. With CCU carbon neutrality can be achieved if a selection of the best technologies is used following the technical requirements of specific production processes. Other options include CCS (carbon capture and storage). However, in comparison to CCU/CRR (carbon recovery and re-utilization), CCS is used to sequester and store the excessive carbon of chemicals, energy, and industries in underground geological formations. CCS's immediate aim is to prevent this excessive carbon to enter the atmosphere. In a long term, stored carbon can be used as a feedstock for other processes. In general both, CCU and CCS are seen as potential paths in the race to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere.
Stage of Life Cycle
Recycling / Recirculation / Reuse
GHG Reduction Potential
In the CCU approach the CO2 used as feedstock for the production of chemicals is captured from a point source where it originates from fossil carbon, then there is a single reuse of the fossil carbon atom, thus potentially reducing emissions by roughly 50%. CCU is of great importance as it mitigate CO2 emissions from industrial-scale power generation plants, which could lower those emissions by 50% by 2050.
Solution Maturity Status
Under development:
The technology concept is not established yet. The focus is typically set on laboratory, pilot and evaluation processes.