(173f) Sustainable and Feasible Carbon Capture and Utilization Pathways Towards Net-Zero Emissions

To attain global goals for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is crucial to not only expand the use of renewable energy technologies and enhance efficiency but also recognize CCU as a key method for future CO₂ reduction. Despite achieving complete decarbonization of electricity production through widespread adoption of renewable energy, substantial CO₂ emissions from process-related activities in industries will persist. CCU offers a significant reduction potential for such emissions. Moreover, incorporating a portion of the captured CO₂ as a raw material in the chemical industry provides a sustainable approach rather than mere disposal. This utilization strategy also lessens the chemical industry's reliance on fossil fuels. Existing scientific literature showcases successful experiments demonstrating CO₂'s feasibility as a raw material. However, not all CCU products have the capacity to efficiently utilize substantial amounts of CO₂ or be economically viable. Therefore, this current study concentrates on investigating CCU processes, warranting further exploration and comparison with conventional process routes based on carbon footprint, Techno-economic feasibility, and market potential by proposing novel methodology. In this study, a novel sustainable feasibility index (SFI) was developed to rank promising CCU processes based on techno-economic, life cycle assessments, and market size considerations. Eleven high-potential CCU products were investigated. Acetic acid, formic acid, and calcium formate were identified as the top-ranking CCU processes when compared with the SFI indicators for the base cases. Results from carbon to hydrogen mass ratio indicated decreasing the levelized cost of product (LCP) and global warming index (GWI) of CO₂ have a larger effect compared to decreasing the GWI of H₂ on overall carbon footprint of the CCU product. Future projections with respect to raw material sources indicate that the changes in CO₂ sources when compared to changes in the hydrogen and electricity sources, have the most significant effects on the CCU product LCP and GWI.