Following the theme of Zero Carbon Technologies, we specialize in cutting-edge carbon capture solutions, transforming emissions into valuable resources and driving a sustainable, zero carbon future.
Carbon Capture and Conversion
Carbon Capture and Conversion (CCC) offers several advantages compared to Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
While CCS focuses solely on capturing and storing CO₂ underground, preventing its release into the atmosphere, CCC goes a step further by converting captured CO₂ into valuable products like fuels, chemicals, and building materials, creating economic incentives alongside environmental benefits. This conversion reduces the long-term costs and risks associated with CO₂ storage, such as potential leaks, and turns CO₂ from a liability into an asset. Compared to CCU, which primarily involves short-term utilization of CO₂ (often for enhanced oil recovery or other processes that may re-release the carbon), CCC emphasizes permanent carbon removal by transforming CO₂ into products that lock it away for longer periods, contributing more effectively to climate goals. Additionally, CCC enhances resource efficiency by integrating circular economy principles, reducing the demand for virgin materials and decreasing overall industrial emissions.
Key Profitability Factors for CCC implementation
- Cost of Capturing CO₂:
- Capture costs vary widely depending on the CO₂ concentration in the source gas. For example, the cost can range from $30 to $60 per tonne for concentrated sources like ammonia or ethanol plants, but exceed $100 per tonne for dilute sources such as flue gases from power plants or refineries.
- The cost is influenced by the technology used (e.g., solvent-based vs. sorbent-based systems), the need for retrofitting, and the energy required for the capture and separation process.
- Market Price for CO₂-Derived Products:
- The profitability of CCC largely depends on the value of the end products. For instance, converting CO₂ into methanol, polymers, or synthetic fuels can be economically attractive if the market price for these products is high enough.
- However, if the products are in competitive markets (e.g., synthetic fuels vs. traditional fuels), the costs of conversion must be kept low to remain viable.
- Availability of Low-Cost Renewable Energy:
- Many CO₂ conversion processes, like electrochemical or catalytic reduction, are energy-intensive. The cost of energy becomes a critical factor. Using low-cost, renewable energy (e.g., wind or solar) can significantly enhance the economics of CCC, especially for energy-intensive routes like CO₂-to-hydrogen or synthetic methane.
- Carbon Pricing and Government Incentives:
- Carbon pricing mechanisms (e.g., carbon taxes or cap-and-trade systems) can improve the profitability of CCC by making it financially viable to reduce emissions.
- Scalability and Integration with Existing Infrastructure:
- The ability to integrate CCC into existing industrial processes (e.g., hydrogen production, steelmaking, or cement manufacturing) can reduce CAPEX.
- Utilizing CO₂ directly on-site (e.g., refineries using CO₂ to produce methanol) minimizes transportation and storage costs, enhancing profitability.
- Access to Co-Products and By-Products:
- Synergies with other industrial operations (e.g., waste heat utilization) can also lower operating costs.
The economic potential of converting captured carbon is immense. By creating a circular carbon economy, CO₂ can be transformed into a revenue-generating resource rather than a costly pollutant. For instance, captured CO₂ can be used to produce synthetic fuels, which can serve as a low-carbon alternative to fossil fuels in transportation. It can also be transformed into materials like concrete, plastics, and carbon fiber, reducing the need for virgin raw materials and lowering the carbon footprint of various industries. Moreover, the market for CO₂-derived products is expanding, with increasing investments and innovations aiming to scale these technologies, potentially turning carbon capture from a regulatory obligation into a profitable opportunity for industries. As carbon pricing mechanisms and climate policies intensify, the demand for CC technologies will continue growing substantially!
We believe that Carbon Capture and Conversion represents the perfect solution; decreasing emissions while simultaneously allowing our businesspartners to stay economically competitive!
For further information, feel free to contact us via mail or phone:
n.ataimisch@icb-group.org
+43 1 907 38 70