The Feasibility of Direct CO2 Conversion Technologies on Impacting Mid-Century Climate Goals

Grim, R. Gary; Ferrell III, Jack R.; Huang, Zhe; Tao, Ling; Resch, Michael G.

doi:10.1016/j.joule.2023.07.008

The Feasibility of Direct CO2 Conversion Technologies on Impacting Mid-Century Climate Goals

Journal Article · 16 August 2023 · Joule

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1016/j.joule.2023.07.008· OSTI ID:1996405

Grim, R. Gary; ; Huang, Zhe; ; Resch, Michael G.

Recent IPCC modeling suggests that to limit global warming below 2 degrees C, "unprecedented" reductions in CO2 emissions will be required during the 2030-2050 time frame. The direct conversion of CO2 to fuels and chemicals using renewable electricity has garnered interest as one route to draw down emissions with the ability to synthesize products at a significantly lower carbon footprint than conventional methods. However, most direct CO2 conversion pathways are only in the early stages of development and face technical and market hurdles prior to scale-up, bringing into question what role they may play in influencing global CO2 emissions within this critical two-decade window. In this perspective, we highlight low-temperature electrolysis as a promising technology for direct CO2 conversion, including discussion on the products that could most impact global emission levels, and importantly, offer insight into the timeline, required advancements, and specific technical targets needed to successfully scale and deploy these technologies at the commercial level.

Research Organization:: National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Golden, CO (United States)

Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE), Transportation Office. Bioenergy Technologies Office

DOE Contract Number:: AC36-08GO28308

OSTI ID:: 1996405

Report Number(s):: NREL/JA-5100-85389; MainId:86162; UUID:8678e0dd-90cf-4c10-bd73-5299ccb26f7b; MainAdminID:70286

Journal Information:: Joule, Journal Name: Joule Journal Issue: 8 Vol. 7

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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The Feasibility of Direct CO2 Conversion Technologies on Impacting Mid-Century Climate Goals

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