The utilization of CO2 to produce methanol (to be used as energy vector and raw material for chemical production) in remote areas, where cheap renewable H2 could be produced from renewable sources, is a technology having a potential impact estimated to be over 7 Gtons CO2 equivalent. For the first time it is shown that this impact on the mitigation of climate changes is at least comparable with that of CCS, but with advantages of lower costs and impact on environment and enhanced energy security by enabling the use of unexploited renewable energy resources. Further benefits are in terms of good integration with the actual energy and chemical production value chain, and of solving the issue of generation intermittency present in most of the renewable energy sources. These aspects make this CO2 conversion path using renewable energy a potential valuable approach to mitigate the climate changes.

Gton CO2 eq. contribution to mitigation of climate changes: Trading renewable energy by using carbon dioxide

247th National Meeting (2014)

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