Implementing carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the circular economy

Abstract

A circular economy relies on closing materials loops and using renewable energy sources (RES). It is therefore a useful strategy for the valorisation of CO2. The study shows that to stabilise atmospheric CO2 concentration below 500 ppm CO2 in 2100, the future global circular economy will require high penetration of RES and energy efficiency together with the implementation of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). CCUS needs to be configured to close carbon loops and fit into future technologies. The study focuses on analysing: 1) symbioses between CCUS and other coupled technologies; 2) economic instruments suitable for implementing CCUS in the circular economy; 3) techno-economic performance of CCUS and 4) impacts of CCUS implemented in the circular economy on economic development. The results emphasise that, in the short-term (next few decades), CCUS will need to combine the utilisation and storage of CO2, focusing on the deep reduction of CO2 emissions. In the long-term (beyond 2050-2100), the CO2 storage option might be no longer required while the CO2 utilisation coupled to RES will still provide carbon resources for the circular economy.