CATALYZING CARBON INNOVATION: Strengthening U.S. Manufacturing Through CO2 Utilization Technologies

Abstract

The Global CO2 Initiative at the University of Michigan hosted a dialogue to accelerate commercial deployment of carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies that commoditize CO2 and transform it from a waste product into a valuable feedstock. The goal was to identify barriers to scaling-up CCU production and ways to overcome these barriers. Participants included representatives from across the value chain (startups, established companies, policy entities, NGOs, and investors). Case studies examined CCU operations producing precipitated calcium carbonate, cement, methanol, and aviation fuel. Key impediments to scaling the industry are the lack of knowledge of CCU products, insufficient demand, insufficient supply, inadequate relevant experience and expertise, inconsistent and cumbersome regulations, lack of supportive certifications and standards, treatment that is disadvantaged compared to carbon capture and storage (CCS), and inadequate availability of cost competitive renewable energy and green hydrogen. Discussions covered, in varying degrees, what would be needed to rectify each of these barriers. The clear conclusion is that, despite these challenges, CCU products represent a significant opportunity for which the United States is well positioned to lead. Potential benefits include improvements in the following areas: energy independence, competitiveness, manufacturing, industrial resilience, domestic supply chains, jobs for skilled workers, and use of existing infrastructure. Benefits could also include aggregate revenues exceeding a trillion dollars.