Carbon Capture and Utilization for Sustainable Supply Chain Design of Intermediate Chemicals: The Formate Factory
Ariane S.S. Pinto, Nalân Gülpınar, Fang Liu, Elizabeth A. Gibson, Linsey Fuller, Philip F. Souter
Abstract
Carbon capture and use technologies (CCUt) to valorize industrial flue gases into products is the key to a circular economy. Risks related to technology readiness level (TRL) and supply chain design challenges still lack clarity, however, which might hinder the widespread implementation of CCUt. Industrial decarbonization requires a holistic approach, that includes supply chain design, techno-economic analysis (TEA), and lifecycle assessment (LCA) to drive the transition toward a low-carbon future. Here, formate production with biocatalytic (BR) or electrocatalytic (ER) routes was evaluated as a potential CCU strategy for industrial decarbonization. Electrocatalysis typically had a lower production cost than biocatalysis manufacturing, while the product carbon footprint (PCF) was generally lower for biotechnology. The uncertainty analysis (UA) indicated 58% and 2% probability to reduce emissions below petrochemical emissions with the BR and ER, respectively. Strategies for facilitating the deployment of formate factories, including carbon trading schemes, creating a market for industrial flue gas, and/or producing lower-grade products, were discussed.