Carbon Capture and Utilization for Sustainable Supply Chain Design of Intermediate Chemicals: The Formate Factory

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.