Realize resource and energy efficiency in chemical industry by using CO2

A competitive and sustainable chemical industry requires developing new strategies for resource and energy efficiency. We present here the concept that the use of CO2 offers innovative possibilities to achieve this objective. The routes, opportunities, and barriers in converting CO2 using renewable energy and their impact on the chemical and energy value chains are discussed after introducing the general aspects of this topic evidencing the tight integration between the CO2 use and renewable energy insertion in the value chain of process industry. The specific challenge of using CO2 for the production of light olefins (ethylene, propylene), as specific example of value of carbon dioxide as carbon source to meet both resource and energy efficiency, is discussed. The conversion of CO2 back to fuels using sunlight (solar fuels) is also discussed to evidence how is a relevant opportunity to develop effective energy vectors for the storage of solar energy which integrates into existing energy infrastructure and allow a smooth, but fast transition to a more sustainable energy in future