CO₂ Utilization Technologies in Europe: A Short Review

Abstract

Carbon dioxide utilization is increasingly attracting interest. CO2 utilization involves a multitude of processes and chemical reactions. In this context, the goal of this review is to analyze the techno‐economic feasibility, sustainability, and social opportunities of CO2 utilization, as a possible contribution to CO2 mitigation in Europe. Industries and the most recent European projects related to carbon capture and utilization are also discussed, illustrating Europe's performance dynamics in science, research, and innovation in this field. The latest developments in CO2 utilization are thus reviewed, including chemicals, mineral carbonation, and biological uses. This study examines a few CO2‐based pathways at high level of maturity covering a wide range of applications, and discusses their current technical feasibility, economic viability, sustainability, and social aspects. They are then evaluated using several indicators to provide a figure of merit, where qualitative results are intended. The mapping and ranking of CO2 utilization pathways may provide a valuable means in prioritizing support and funding to facilitate the development of large‐scale CO2 utilization projects in Europe. Finally, key challenges and opportunities are discussed. The review shows that CO2 utilization may not be a complete solution for Europe, but will support climate change objectives, circular economy, and resource and energy security.

Limits to Paris compatibility of CO2 capture and utilization

“…The time it takes to progress through the TRL scale differs per technology and is context dependent, but for CCU technologies, 10-15 years is typically assumed to be needed to progress from lab scale to full-scale implementation. 9,96,97 In line with Chauvy et al, 9 we assume that, for a CCU technology to be ready in 2030, it must be in at least TRL 6 in 2020. Given that it is possible to progress from the R&D phase (TRL 1-3) to real-life operation (TRL 9) in 20-30 years, 9,98 the TRL is no impediment for a CCU technology for 2050.…”

Review of carbon capture absorbents for CO2utilization

“…This can allow the CO 2 capture industry to overcome cost limitations and develop a sustainable process by producing value‐added products via the utilization pathway 139 . Apart from that, a CCU system can also promote CO 2 capture for large industrial CO 2 emitters that are not accessible to a proper geological CO 2 storage which is a must for typical CCS systems 142 . As the possible leakage of CO 2 from geological storage is also a concern within the carbon capture industry, 143 the application of CCU can also subside this concern.…”

Eco-Innovation Diversity in a Circular Economy: Towards Circular Innovation Studies

“…"Materials sourcing" and "Manufacturing" strategies are also closely connected, representing 4% of the sample, respectively. The first set has a stronger focus on cross-sector linkages, namely concerning energy production [136,137], life cycle assessment, green procurement, taxation, as well as the role of finance in a CE [138], while the second set concentrates on energy efficiency and material productivity [101,[139][140][141].…”