Significant efforts are being undertaken to capture CO2 emissions from a range of sources, including point sources such as power plants and industries, as well as through direct air carbon capture. However, managing the large amounts of captured CO2 presents a critical challenge. One way is to sequester it by storing it underground or in other stable forms. The other way, which is gaining significant traction, is to utilize captured CO2 to produce valuable products, transforming a waste product into a resource.

 

Current Scenario

India’s Context

• CO2 Emissions: India is the third-largest emitter of CO2, contributing approximately 2.88 billion metric tons annually.
• Industrial Applications: India has initiated several pilot projects for CO2 capture, primarily focused on industrial applications such as urea production.
• Policy Framework: The Indian government is exploring policies and incentives to support CO2 capture and utilization (CCU) technologies, emphasizing research and pilot projects.

Potential and Emerging Applications

CO2 Utilization in Construction Materials

• Concrete Production: CO2 can be used to cure cement, effectively sequestering it in concrete. This not only reduces the carbon footprint of concrete but also enhances its strength and durability. Technologies like CarbonCure are leading in this area.
• Building Materials: Developing building materials that incorporate CO2 can create carbon-negative products, reducing the overall environmental impact of construction.

Chemical Production from CO2

• Commodity Chemicals: CO2 is converted into a variety of chemicals such as formic acid, methanol, and baking soda, essential for various industrial processes and consumer products.
• Plastics and Polymers: Research is ongoing to use CO2 as a feedstock for producing polymers and plastics, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

Fuel Production from CO2

• Synthetic Fuels: Captured CO2 converted into synthetic fuels like methanol and ethanol, which can be used in existing internal combustion engines, providing a low-carbon alternative to conventional fossil fuels. 
• Aviation Fuels: Efforts are being made to produce sustainable aviation fuels from CO2, which could significantly reduce the carbon footprint of the aviation industry.

Food and Beverage Industry

• Carbonated Beverages: CO2 is used to carbonate drinks, an established application that could expand with captured CO2.
• Protein Production: Innovative companies are exploring ways to use CO2 to produce proteins for food, contributing to sustainable food systems.

Exotic Applications of CO2

• Diamonds from CO2: Companies like Sky Diamond are creating diamonds by converting captured CO2, showcasing a unique and high-value application of this technology.
• Biological Processes: Research into using microorganisms to convert CO2 into valuable products like biofuels and bioplastics is ongoing.

Key Technologies

Cost Reduction

• Technological Advancements: Developing more efficient and cost-effective technologies for CO2 capture and conversion is crucial. Innovations in catalysts, reactors, and process optimization can play a significant role.
• Economies of Scale: Scaling up production processes to industrial levels can reduce costs through economies of scale.

Policy and Incentives

• Government Support: Policies and incentives from governments can drive the adoption of CO2 utilization technologies. Carbon pricing, subsidies, and tax credits can make these projects more economically feasible.
• Industry Collaboration: Collaboration between industries, research institutions, and governments can accelerate the development and deployment of CO2 utilization technologies.

Research and Development

• Material Science: Advances in material science can lead to the development of new materials that efficiently capture and utilize CO2.
• Biological Processes: Research into bioengineering and synthetic biology can unlock new pathways for CO2 conversion using microorganisms

Case Studies

• CarbonCure’s Concrete Technology: CarbonCure Technologies has developed a method to inject captured CO2 into concrete during mixing, improving the concrete's strength and reducing its carbon footprint.
• LanzaTech’s Synthetic Fuel Production: LanzaTech uses captured CO2 to produce ethanol, which can be used as a synthetic fuel. This process not only reduces emissions but also creates a valuable product from waste CO2.
• Sky Diamond’s CO2-Based Diamonds: Sky Diamond creates diamonds by converting atmospheric CO2. This innovative approach turns a greenhouse gas into a high-value product, demonstrating the potential for creative CO2 utilization.
• Indian Oil Corporation’s Algae-Based CO2 Capture: Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is exploring the use of algae for CO2 capture from its refineries. The captured CO2 can be used for biofuel production, creating a circular carbon economy.