Electrochemical CO2 reduction at scale: current status, technological readiness and industrial perspective

Electrochemical CO2 reduction (CO2RR) is a fast-growing research topic, but its scalability and industrial applicability are still questioned. This work provides a comprehensive analysis from this perspective. Unlike other recent reviews that focus on catalyst development and performance under laboratory-scale conditions, emphasis is placed on technologies that have reached a maturity level compatible with scale-up to industrially relevant conditions, in terms of both electrode dimensions and device architectures. While avoiding detailed discussions of catalyst development, this review analyses the key operational parameters governing scalability, including reactor configuration, current density, Faradaic efficiency, energy efficiency, electrode active area, and operational time. Key milestones in performance, efficiency, and system durability are highlighted. Additionally, ongoing industrial projects and companies actively pursuing the commercialisation of CO2RR technologies are reviewed. By mapping the evolving landscape of both academic and industrial efforts, this work provides a critical view of the current progress towards economically viable and scalable CO2RR systems, with specific attention to selected products such as carbon monoxide, methanol, formic acid/formate, methane, acetic acid/acetate, ethylene, and ethanol. The choice of target products is guided by their technological readiness and prospective relevance for near-term industrial deployment, as well as by their strategic importance in supporting the transition towards a low-carbon economy.