Objectively Evaluating Green Technologies Utilizing Carbon Dioxide

This is an analysis of ten electrochemical conversion-based carbon dioxide utilization technologies. Assuming a technology readiness level of 2, the potential greenhouse gas reduction and operating profit achievable under ideal conditions for each technology were analyzed. Technologies marked in green can achieve both greenhouse gas reduction and operating profit simultaneously. Technologies marked in blue can achieve greenhouse gas reduction but may incur operating losses. Technologies marked in red are expected to generate operating profit but cannot achieve greenhouse gas reduction. Indicators marked in gray represent the expected performance if oxygen byproducts generated in each process are released into the atmosphere.

[Asia Economy Reporter Junho Hwang] A technology that can evaluate various research efforts utilizing carbon dioxide, the main culprit of global warming, has been developed by researchers from Korea and Germany. This method objectively assesses how much carbon dioxide is reduced and whether the process is productive. It is expected to greatly aid in discovering promising new technologies by allowing the efficiency of research to be identified in advance.

The research team led by Professor Jaehyung Lee of the Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering at the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) announced on the 22nd that they developed a tool to analyze and evaluate carbon dioxide utilization technologies that are not yet commercialized or are in the development stage. Their related research results were published in the international journal Green Chemistry.

The team proposed a technology analysis and evaluation methodology that can be used to understand carbon utilization efficiency, energy (or exergy) efficiency, techno-economic feasibility, greenhouse gas reduction potential, and greenhouse gas avoidance costs based on limited information for various immature carbon dioxide utilization technologies. Notably, this evaluation method implements a systematic and detailed strategy for calculating indicators necessary for technology assessment by considering the technology readiness level unique to the target technology and three carbon dioxide conversion characteristics (thermochemical conversion, electrochemical conversion, and biological conversion).

Professor Jaehyung Lee said, "This research outcome can be applied to various carbon dioxide utilization technologies currently being studied worldwide. It allows accurate evaluation of energy efficiency and cost-effectiveness for immature technologies that are not yet commercialized or are under development, enabling research and development personnel and costs to be concentrated on promising new technologies."

Meanwhile, this research involved experts such as Professor Alexander Mitsos from RWTH Aachen University in Germany, an expert in process design and optimization, Professor Andre Bardow, an expert in evaluating all processes of carbon dioxide capture and utilization technologies, and Professor Matthias Wesling, an expert in membranes and electrochemistry.

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