Understanding the Potential of CO2 Utilisation

CO2 utilisation processes can convert CO2 into commercially viable products such as fine chemicals,
polymers, fertilisers, minerals and fuels via a range of chemical and biological pathways. Carbon is
ubiquitous within the chemical and construction industry however sustainability issues arise with
fossil sources. CO2 has potential to be a sustainable and circular source of carbon if certain barriers
are overcome. Assessment of the potential of CO2 utilisation is complex and must address the three
pillars of sustainability – environment, economics and society. Herewith, each aspect is discussed and
elucidated. A framework to encourage the integration of environmental and economic assessment is
presented to tackle the challenge of conflicting conclusions from individual assessments. This is
further developed in to a triple helix approach by the addition of social impact assessment. This
approach enhances effective decision making for development and deployment by enabling tradeoffs
between environmental, economic and social impacts to be explored. The challenges and
opportunities of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) are considered. Barriers to the general success
of SMEs are identified in the fields of policy/regulation, life cycle analysis studies, financial knowledge,
and external links. Communication of CO2 utilisation technologies is investigated as it is known public
awareness of CO2 utilisation is low and is key to successful deployment. Guidelines for communication
and the first CO2 utilisation App presented. Significant increases in knowledge of CO2-derived products
were observed after use of the App. Within the focus groups the App was highly rated for learning,
ease of use, learning and enjoyment, confirming it as fit for purpose as a tool to communicate CO2
utilisation opportunities. CO2 utilisation has many facets which are interwoven and require unlocking
for its potential to be realised. This works seeks to expound these facets to increase understanding in
unlocking that potential.