A framework for the analysis of the security of supply of utilising carbon dioxide as a chemical feedstock

Abstract

Recent developments in catalysts have enhanced the potential for the utilisation of carbon dioxide as a chemical feedstock. Using the appropriate energy efficient catalyst enables a range of chemical pathways leading to desirable products. In doing so, CO2 provides an economically and environmentally beneficial source of C1 feedstock, while improving the issues relating to security of supply that are associated with fossil-based feedstocks. However, the dependence on catalysts brings other supply chains into consideration, supply chains that may also have security of supply issues. The choice of chemical pathways for specific products will therefore entail an assessment not only of economic factors but also the security of supply issues for the catalysts. This is a multi-criteria decision making problem. In this paper, we present a modified 4A framework based on the framework suggested by the Asian Pacific Energy Research centre for macro-economic applications. The 4A methodology is named after the criteria used to compare alternatives: availability, acceptability, applicability and affordability. We have adapted this framework for the consideration of alternative chemical reaction processes using a micro-economic outlook. Data from a number of sources were collected and used to quantify each of the 4A criteria. A graphical representation of the assessments is used to support the decision maker in comparing alternatives. The framework not only allows for the comparison of processes but also highlights current limitations in the CCU processes. The framework presented can be used by a variety of stakeholders, including regulators, investors, and process industries, with the aim of identifying promising routes within a broader multi-criteria decision making process.

Zinc and Magnesium Catalysts for the Hydrosilylation of Carbon Dioxide

“…The efficient utilization of carbon dioxide as a renewable C 1 source for the synthesis of value-added organic chemicals and fuels is not only of intrinsic value, but also offers potential for abating the increasing levels of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. , However, CO 2 is thermodynamically very stable and kinetically resistant to many transformations, which presents a major impediment to achieving this objective. Significant effort is, therefore, underway to develop catalysts that are capable of effecting the functionalization of CO 2 .…”

Exploring the future of carbon capture and utilisation by combining an international Delphi study with local scenario development

“…The main technological challenge originates from the high thermodynamic stability of CO2, which requires high energy levels to overcome [43]. To manage this issue, catalysts such as zinc (Zn) and cobalt (Co) are being used, although this can form an obstacle considering the limited performance and lifetime of many catalysts and the fact that they are often sourced from geo-politically unstable regions, which can possibly cause supply security issues [39,[44][45][46]. Other risks include the high costs associated with CO2 capture and the overall poor economic viability, due to the low price of the end products [38,39,[47][48][49], the large dependence on hydrogen [50] and the limited sequestration [41,51,52].…”

Public awareness and acceptance of carbon capture and utilisation in the UK

“…Although some are already in industrial use, most CCU technologies are still at a relatively immature stage of development (GCCSI, 2011;Fraga and Ng, 2015). As the CCU technologies move from the development to execution stages, their public recognition and acceptance will become increasingly important for their successful implementation (VCI and DECHEMA, 2009).…”