New Energy Sources and CO2 Treatment

The conversion of CO2 through the use of renewable energy sources offers new possibilities to develop innovative new approaches to improve sustainability of chemical and energy production. After introducing the topic, this chapter discusses the reuse of CO2 as a valuable carbon source and an effective way to introduce renewable energy in the chemical industry value chain, to improve resource efficiency, and to limit greenhouse gas emissions. The specific challenge of using CO2 for the production of light olefins (ethylene, propylene) is discussed. The recycling of CO2 back to fuels using sunlight (solar fuels) is also briefly analyzed to demonstrate a relevant opportunity to develop effective energy vectors for the storage of solar energy integrated into the existing energy infrastructure and allowing a smooth but fast transition to a more sustainable energy future. The role of these topics for the future strategies of chemical and energy industries, especially in terms of resource efficiency, is also highlighted.