Hardware Podcasts

CO2 utilization

Catalyst · 2 May 2024 · 46m

What this episode covers

Julio Friedmann, chief scientist at Carbon Direct, explains that while geological storage will handle 90% of the 6-7 gigatons of CO2 needed for climate goals, utilization markets for concrete, e-jet, and chemicals are critical for developing the carbon management economy. He details how existing infrastructure, such as 5,000 miles of US CO2 pipelines, is being repurposed for enhanced oil recovery and climate storage, while new synthetic fuel plants from companies like Hifly Global and 12 are scaling production. Friedmann argues that regulatory mandates like CORSIA and ReFuelEU drive the 'green premium' for e-fuels, making them economically viable despite higher costs than fossil alternatives. He also highlights material substitution opportunities, such as using CO2 to make polycarbonate and carbon fiber, and discusses strategies for overcoming local opposition to new CO2 infrastructure through community benefits agreements.

Most relevant to

early-stage companies

Topics

Mentioned

Companies
Carbon Direct, Hifly Global, 12, Maresk, Sabic, Dao, Lands of Tech, Tallgrass
Products
Summit Pipeline, Keystone Pipeline, methanol, ethylene, urea
Materials
graphene, polycarbonate, carbon fiber, concrete
Also
Bold Alliance, CORSIA, ReFuelEU

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