Carbon capture and utilization

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) is the process of capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) from industrial processes and transporting it via pipelines to where one intends to use it in industrial processes.

Captured CO₂ can be converted to several products: one group being alcohols, such as methanol, to use as efuels and other alternative and renewable sources of energy. Other commercial products include plastics, concrete and reactants for various chemical synthesis.

Regarding a single product, CCU does not result in a net carbon positive to the atmosphere. If, in addition, this product substitutes one of fossil origin an overall CO₂ emission reduction occurs.

There are several additional considerations to be taken into account. As CO₂ is a thermodynamically stable form of carbon, manufacturing products from it is energy intensive. The availability of other raw materials to create a product should also be considered before investing in CCU.

Considering the different potential options for capture and utilization, research suggests that those involving chemicals, fuels and microalgae have limited potential for CO₂ removal, while those that involve construction materials and agricultural use can be more effective.

The profitability of CCU depends partly on the carbon price of CO₂ being released into the atmosphere. Carbon capture and utilization may offer a response to the global challenge of significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions from major stationary (industrial) emitters.