we demonstrate that the substitution of high temperature solar thermal chemical processes for various industrial processes driven by fossil fuels is a promising path for reducing CO_2 emissions. We use the solar production of metals from their oxides as a case study to show the full range of potential of the high temperature solar processes. Specifically, we show that solar energy used in processes operating at temperatures near 1200 K can replace fossil fuels as the source of process heat used to drive the carbothermic reduction of metal oxides. In this case, CO_2 emissions are reduced when compared to a current industrial process by the elimination of the combustion of fossil fuels. As the temperature of the solar process is increased to near 2300 K, the solar process heat is of such a quality that some metals can be produced from their oxides without a carbon source, thereby eliminating completely the production of CO_2. We present a selection of our latest research findings to illustrate the current state of solar chemicstry research as to describe the future challenges that must be met if this renewable energy path is to become a means for curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
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