A CO utilization framework for liquid fuels and chemical production: techno-economic and environmental analysis

• Published in: Energy & environmental science 2022-01, Vol.15 (1), p.169-184
• Main Authors: Do, Thai Ngan, You, Chanhee, Kim, Jiyong
• Format: Article
• ISSN: 1754-5692; 1754-5706
• DOI: 10.1039/d1ee01444g

In this work, we developed a framework for CO 2 capture and utilization for energy products (CCU4E) and examined techno-economic and environmental performance in different scenarios. The framework includes process synthesis and design, process simulation, and modeling toward the technical, economic, and environmental performance of the CO 2 -to-fuel pathway. Based on the 72 CO 2 -to-fuel pathways examined, we discussed the trade-off between economic output ( via the unit production cost of fuels) and environmental impact ( via net CO 2 equivalent emissions). In addition, an optimization model was used to identify the optimal pathway and the decision to use conventional (black) or renewable (green) hydrogen in different scenarios. An extended sensitivity analysis was performed to understand the important role of H 2 in the mitigation of CO 2eq and its economic potential, globally and locally, as well as the prospect of future CO 2 -based fuels. This study provides practical decision-making strategies to major carbon-emitting countries to make decisions on using domestic resources to balance economics and environmental protection in the CCU4E framework. The green hydrogen price is revealed as the key factor in future CCU4E by allowing a huge reduction in CO 2eq emissions at a more stable and lower price. We analyzed the techno-economic and environmental performance of a wide-range of CO 2 -to-fuel pathways and the critical role of hydrogen in CO 2 utilization framework.