There is considerable interest in carbon capture and storage (CCS) as a means of reducing emissions from power stations and heavy industry. However, for each molecule of carbon dioxide stored that is one carbon atom lost from the chemical economy. In this article, examples of how carbon capture and utilization (CCU) can supplement CCS efforts. zA number of reaction types are identified and reference is made to seminal work in the area. The future opportunities for using CO2 as a feedstock in the chemicals industry are discussed and some suggestions made for future research targets. Consideration is made for the energy penalty in carrying out such suggestions and it is recommended that whole systems analyses be carried out on processes that are identified and that alternative, sustainable energy sources are considered at an early stage in reactions and process design.
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