Carbon dioxide (CO2) is normally thought of as a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming. However, it can also be utilized as a valuable resource in various industries and applications. With the growing global focus on reducing carbon emissions, technologies to utilize CO2 are gaining increased attention from researchers and businesses.
Making Useful Products from Carbon Dioxide Utilization
One way to use excess CO2 is by converting it into other useful materials and products. Researchers are developing technologies to transform CO2 into fuels, chemicals, and other commercial products. For example, carbon dioxide can be converted into methanol which is widely utilized in industrial processes for plastics, foams, adhesives and more. Several companies are working on methods to synthesize liquid hydrocarbons like gasoline, diesel and jet fuel directly from Carbon Dioxide Utilization and hydrogen. If these technologies can be scaled up affordably, they offer the potential to produce low carbon alternatives to fossil fuels.
CO2 can also be utilized to manufacture building materials. It can be converted into polymers and chemicals that go into making plastics, resins and concrete. Carbon dioxide is fed as the main carbon source in these processes instead of using oil or natural gas. The resulting products have the same properties as regular plastics and construction materials but with a lower carbon footprint. Such applications provide pathways for long-term storage of carbon in applications with decades-long lifespans.
Enhancing Oil and Gas Recovery with CO2 Injection
Another major area of CO2 utilization is its injection into oil and gas fields for enhanced hydrocarbon recovery purposes. As oil reservoirs deplete over time, a significant portion of the original oil is left behind stuck in the pores of the underground rock formation. Pumping carbon dioxide into these aging wells can help dislodge and extract more of the residual oil. The injection of CO2 increases the pressure in the reservoir and also interacts chemically with the oil, reducing its viscosity and making it flow more easily.
This technique called carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery (CO2-EOR) can boost recovery rates from fields by 10-15% over conventional extraction methods. The added crude oil produced acts as an energy source while the sequestered CO2 stays safely stored underground, conferring a dual benefit. Many oil producers are actively using existing CO2 production or capturing it from industrial sources to aid EOR projects globally. It offers a mutually beneficial application of carbon utilization to maximize fossil fuel output while curbing emissions.
Applying CO2 in Greenhouse Agriculture
Another major use of Carbon Dioxide Utilization is in greenhouse horticulture and agriculture. Commercial greenhouses artificially elevate carbon dioxide levels to boost plant growth rates and crop yields. Normal atmospheric concentration of around 400 parts per million can be increased to 1000-1500 ppm which has been shown to significantly increase the growth and vigor of various crops including vegetables, fruits, flowers among others. Enhanced carbon dioxide fertilization requires 30-50% less water and fertilizers to produce the same amount of plants and food.
Several greenhouse operators capture emissions from nearby factories and power stations to supply carbon dioxide for their operations. They invest in carbon utilization infrastructure like purification systems, storage tanks and distribution pipes. Global greenhouse gas supplies over 100 million pounds of CO2 annually making it a sizable industry. Optimal ratios of CO2, temperature, light and nutrients can maximize annual farm outputs, economizing on scarce agricultural land resources and water usage.
Carbon Dioxide Mineralization – A Viable Permanent Storage Option
While many CO2 utilization methods only temporarily store carbon, mineralization provides pathways for more permanent removal and sequestration. Through mineralization, carbon dioxide reacts naturally with metal ions in suitable rocks to form solid carbonate minerals like calcite or magnesite over extended timeframes. Suitable candidate sites being investigated include unmineable coal seams, basalt and ultramafic rock formations as they contain abundant calcium, magnesium or iron to rapidly absorb CO2.
Pilot injection projects are testing mineral trapping techniques across the world. Some startups and research organizations are also devising technologies to actively accelerate mineralization reactions. For example, combining CO2 with naturally occurring alkali brines can rapidly precipitate it into solid carbonate form. Mineralization offers a carbon-negative solution by permanently removing greenhouse gases from the atmosphere at an industrial scale, aligned with the strategy of achieving net-zero emissions globally. However, more research and field testing is still needed to validate the longevity and scaling potential of such approaches.
With the intensifying climate change impacts, developing practical, economical ways to utilize excess carbon dioxide emissions is increasingly important. The applications discussed offer productive reuse pathways for CO2, bringing environmental and commercial benefits. Going forward, continued innovations, falling technology costs and supportive policies can help accelerate the advancement and deployment of carbon utilization solutions worldwide. By finding new means to harness CO2, we can transition to more sustainable models of development catering to humanity’s needs, while enabling stabilization of atmospheric greenhouse gas concentrations over the long run.
*Note:
1. Source: Coherent Market Insights, Public sources, Desk research
2. We have leveraged AI tools to mine information and compile it
About Author – Money Singh
Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemicals and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. LinkedIn Profile