The future of carbon management is not just about compliance; it's about unlocking new markets, improving profitability and contributing to a carbon-neutral society. Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies present an opportunity to convert carbon emissions into value streams.
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- Transforming CO2 emissions into valuable resources is becoming an important strategy due to changing regulations that aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and incentivise carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies.
- The EU's regulatory framework, including the Renewable Energy Directives, not only sets emissions reduction targets but also supports the development of synthetic fuels using captured CO2 and green hydrogen, especially in the aviation and maritime sectors.
- Captured CO2 can be a feedstock for a wide range of products, including fuels and polymers, with the potential market for carbon-based chemicals expected to grow significantly by 2050.
- VTT supports companies in navigating CCU projects through expert guidance and advanced research infrastructure, while emphasising the need for collaboration in this dynamic field.
This summary is written by AI and checked by a human.
As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the landscape surrounding carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions is steadily shifting. Governments worldwide are tightening legislation aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions, creating a new regulatory framework that mandates substantial reductions in CO2 output.
At the same time, we are increasingly seeing CO2 in a new light; instead of viewing it solely as a harmful greenhouse gas, we now recognise it as a valuable raw material with vast potential. This shift in thinking opens up new opportunities for innovation, allowing us to transform CO2 into useful products like fuels, chemicals and materials that can benefit our economy and environment.
The changing environment and tightening legislation
Globally, there are several initiatives and regulations aimed at driving and incentivising carbon utilisation as part of climate change mitigation efforts. Among them is EU's commitment to carbon neutrality by 2050. This ambitious goal not only seeks to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also encourages innovation in carbon capture and utilisation technologies.
At the same time, regulations like the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II and III are reshaping the energy landscape, setting targets for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and phasing out fossil CO2 emissions in the production of synthetic electrofuels by 2036. E-fuels produced from captured CO2 and green hydrogen are essential in the EU's efforts to decarbonise the transportation sector, as demonstrated by initiatives like ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime.
As a result of these regulations, the market for aviation and maritime e-fuels is expected to open by 2030, leading to an estimated need for 25 to 30 million tons of aviation e-fuels per year in the EU by 2050.
The vast potential of CO2
With the emergence of supportive regulations, businesses have the opportunity to fully leverage the potential of CO2. When captured, carbon dioxide can be converted into a variety of end products and intermediates.
When combined with green hydrogen, CO2 can be used to produce various synthetic fuels like e-diesel, e-jet fuel and methanol. This innovation is especially crucial as the rising demand for renewable fuels within the aviation and maritime sectors is expected to create significant market opportunities.
The vast potential of captured CO2 extends beyond just fuels. As a feedstock for producing essential carbon-based chemicals and polymers, CO2 can play a vital role in everyday products. The current market for sustainable carbon sources is substantial, with projections suggesting that carbon bound in these products could grow from 450 million tons today to 1 billion tons by 2050.
Carbon capture and utilisation key to turning challenges into opportunities
There are numerous CCU technologies and process concepts available, each with its unique benefits and applications. Determining the right one depends on several factors, including the desired end-product, the operating environment and the sustainability of the technology.
For instance, a CCU process can utilise CO2, water and renewable electricity as raw materials to produce transportation fuels. Initially, CO2 and water are converted into synthesis gas which can then be processed through Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to create hydrocarbons. These hydrocarbons are then upgraded through processes like water removal and distillation to produce high-quality transportation fuels suitable for market use.
By understanding and implementing the right CCU technologies, businesses can significantly enhance their environmental impact while creating new markets and driving economic growth.
Partnering for innovation
Collaboration is key in this rapidly evolving field. VTT is a versatile innovation partner ready to support companies in their CCU projects. With nearly 40 years of expertise in catalyst and process development, VTT offers unbiased, science-based support. We also provide access to a diverse research infrastructure, including technologies for CO2 capture, green hydrogen production and catalyst synthesis.
