Research conducted by Columbia University’s SIPA Centre on Global Energy Policy is bringing a new outlook to manufacturing with carbon. Researchers suggest that utilizing recycled CO2, captured either from industrial sources or the ambient air, for the production of chemicals, materials, and fuels could mitigate 6.8 gigatonnes of CO2 annually.
Noteworthy progress in this domain is being made by the company Twelve. Twelve employs carbon transformation technology to convert captured CO2 into products conventionally derived from fossil fuels. The company refers to this process as, “industrial photosynthesis.” The process entails captured CO2, water, and renewable energy collaborating to generate novel, valuable carbon-based goods.
The technology utilizes an efficient CO2-reducing catalyst. Leveraging this innovation, the company has engineered a “plug-and-play” reactor capable of seamlessly integrating into existing industrial systems. This reactor captures carbon and converts it into intricate hydrocarbons, which then serve as fundamental components for innovative products. These components can build competitive chemicals and fuels that can seamlessly integrate into established supply chains.
Twelve is already partnering with the likes of Mercedes-Benz, Procter & Gamble, Shopify, NASA, and the US Air Force. Their aim is to curtail emissions and fabricate novel ‘CO2Made’ commodities. Notable examples include a collaborative creation of sunglasses with the sustainable fashion brand Pangaia and the development of a carbon-neutral, sustainable aviation fuel named E-Jet. The company recently initiated construction on its inaugural E-Jet fuel production facility.
Read more: RSG and Zain KSA introduce world’s first zero-carbon 5G network
NCCC and Aramco
The promising practice has shown signs of emerging in the region. Just last month Norwegian Carbon Capture Company announced its partnership with Saudi’s Aramco. The partnership explores opportunities for carbon capture, utilization and storage, and industrial modularization in Saudi Arabia.
In line with the Middle East Green Initiative, which aims to reduce CO2 emissions by 670 million tons every year, this partnership would reduce carbon emissions from industries across the region. “We are pleased to announce this opportunity with Aramco that aims to support Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and the Kingdom’s Net Zero 2060 ambition,” said Aker Carbon Capture CEO, Egil Fagerland, after signing the two-year deal with Aramco Executive Vice President (Technical Services), Ahmad Al Sa’adi.
Qatar
Qatar is following suit, with CCUS advancements underway. The first MENA CCUS Forum took place in Qatar recently. The nation, which aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25% by 2030, is heavily focused on sustainable infrastructure. They plan to store more than 11 million tons of C02 per year by 2035 in large-scale Carbon Capture and Storage facilities.
For more news on sustainability, click here.
