Title: Implementing carbon capture, utilisation and storage in the circular economy

Authors: Wojciech M. Budzianowski

Addresses: Consulting Services, Poleska 11/37, 51-354 Wrocław, Poland; Renewable Energy and Sustainable Development (RESD) Group, Poleska 11/37, 51-354 Wrocław, Poland

Abstract: A circular economy relies on closing materials loops and using renewable energy sources (RES). It is therefore a useful strategy for the valorisation of CO₂. The study shows that to stabilise atmospheric CO₂ concentration below 500 ppm CO₂ in 2100, the future global circular economy will require high penetration of RES and energy efficiency together with the implementation of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS). CCUS needs to be configured to close carbon loops and fit into future technologies. The study focuses on analysing: 1) symbioses between CCUS and other coupled technologies; 2) economic instruments suitable for implementing CCUS in the circular economy; 3) techno-economic performance of CCUS and 4) impacts of CCUS implemented in the circular economy on economic development. The results emphasise that, in the short-term (next few decades), CCUS will need to combine the utilisation and storage of CO₂, focusing on the deep reduction of CO₂ emissions. In the long-term (beyond 2050-2100), the CO₂ storage option might be no longer required while the CO₂ utilisation coupled to RES will still provide carbon resources for the circular economy.

Keywords: circular economy; CCUS configuration; symbiosis; economic instrument; business line; economic development; climate policy design.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGW.2017.084510

International Journal of Global Warming, 2017 Vol.12 No.2, pp.272 - 296

Received: 16 Mar 2015
Accepted: 20 Sep 2015
Published online: 12 Jun 2017 *

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