Julio Friedmann, Chief scientist at Carbon Direct, discusses the need to capture CO2 for global warming. Topics include carbon capture facilities, uses for CO2 like concrete and fizzy water, emerging chemical uses, challenges of local opposition to carbon infrastructure, and the green premium for products made with recycled carbon.
The markets for using CO2 in products like concrete and chemicals will play a crucial role in developing the carbon management economy.
Graphene, produced by converting CO2, has significant potential in industries like aviation for decarbonization.
Deep dives
CO2 Conversion into Valuable Graphene Material
Graphene, a super structured, super light, super durable, super electrically conductive material, can be produced by converting CO2. While the process exists in laboratories, challenges remain in spinning it into usable fiber. The application of graphene in industries like aviation for decarbonization presents significant potential.
Decarbonization Across Multiple Economic Sectors
Decarbonization efforts necessitate transforming five key sectors: energy, transportation, buildings, food and agriculture, and heavy industry. Additionally, the focus on carbon management plays a crucial role in the overarching goal. The solar industry's shift from aluminum to recycled steel could significantly impact supply chains, costs, and carbon emissions.
Diverse Utilization of Captured CO2
Captured CO2 finds utilization in various markets like enhanced oil recovery and food and beverage industries. While these markets are established, the volume for climate-related usage remains relatively small. The transition to capturing CO2 from dilute sources is gradually expanding, highlighting the importance of innovative approaches for broader climate impact.
Challenges and Opportunities in CO2 Storage Infrastructure
The development of CO2 storage infrastructure faces challenges such as local opposition and regulatory complexities. Repurposing existing pipelines and exploring alternatives like using barges for transportation provide potential solutions. Balancing societal needs, economic benefits, and environmental sustainability will be crucial for successful CO2 infrastructure projects.
The IPCC says that we likely need to capture hundreds of gigatons of CO2 if we want to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. So what are we going to do with all that carbon?
In this episode, Shayle talks to Julio Friedmann, chief scientist at Carbon Direct. Julio says we will store the vast majority of that CO2. But the markets for using CO2 in things like concrete, fizzy water, and chemicals will play an important role in developing the carbon management economy. Shayle and Julio cover topics like:
The roughly 50 carbon capture facilities operating today and how much carbon they capture
Why we should recycle carbon at all when we could just store it
Current uses for CO2, like fizzy water, enhanced oil recovery, and concrete
Emerging chemical uses, like jet fuel, ethanol, urea, and methanol
Substituting glass and metal with products that use recycled carbon, like polycarbonate and carbon fiber
The “over the horizon” stuff, like making space elevators from graphene
Solving the challenge of local opposition to carbon infrastructure
Who will pay the green premium for products made with recycled carbon
Recommended Resources:
Center on Global Energy Policy: Opportunities and Limits of CO2 Recycling in a Circular Carbon Economy: Techno-economics, Critical Infrastructure Needs, and Policy Priorities
Canary Media: US Steel plant in Indiana to host a $150M carbon capture experiment
NBC: Biden admin seeks to jumpstart carbon recycling with $100 million in grants
Are growing concerns over AI’s power demand justified? Join us for our upcoming Transition-AI event featuring three experts with a range of views on how to address the energy needs of hyperscale computing, driven by artificial intelligence. Don’t miss this live, virtual event on May 8.
Catalyst is supported by Origami Solar. Join Latitude Media’s Stephen Lacey and Origami’s CEO Gregg Patterson for a live Frontier Forum on May 30th at 1 pm Eastern to discuss Origami’s new research on how recycled steel can help reinvigorate the U.S. solar industry. Register for free on Latitude’s events page.
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