The future of carbon management is not only about compliance with regulatory requirements; it is also about new markets, improved profitability and a contribution to building a carbon-neutral society. Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies offer an opportunity to turn carbon emissions into valuable resources.

• Turning CO₂ emissions into valuable resources is becoming an important strategy in light of changing regulations aimed at cutting greenhouse gas emissions and encouraging the use of carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies.
• European Union legislation, including the renewable energy directives, both sets emission reduction targets and supports the development of synthetic fuels made from captured CO₂ and green hydrogen, particularly in aviation and maritime transport.
• Captured CO₂ can serve as a feedstock for a wide range of products, including fuels and polymers. The market for carbon-based chemicals is expected to grow considerably by 2050.
• VTT supports companies in delivering CCU projects by providing expert advice and access to modern research infrastructure, while stressing the need for collaboration.

As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, the picture around carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions is changing. Countries are tightening legislation, creating a new regulatory framework that calls for substantial reductions in CO₂ emissions.

We are looking at CO₂ from a fresh perspective – it is no longer merely a harmful greenhouse gas, but a valuable feedstock with great potential. This shift in thinking opens up new opportunities for innovation, allowing CO₂ to be turned into useful products such as fuels, chemicals and materials that can benefit both the economy and the environment.

A changing environment and tighter legislation

There are several initiatives and regulations around the world that aim to promote and encourage the use of carbon as part of climate change mitigation efforts. One example is the EU's commitment to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. This ambitious target is aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions and also drives innovation in carbon capture and utilisation technologies.

At the same time, the Renewable Energy Directive (RED) II and III, for example, are reshaping the energy landscape by setting targets for cutting greenhouse gas emissions and for phasing out fossil CO₂ emissions in the production of synthetic e-fuels by 2036. E-fuels produced from captured CO₂ and green hydrogen are essential to the EU's efforts to decarbonise the transport sector, as demonstrated by initiatives such as ReFuelEU Aviation and FuelEU Maritime.

As a result, the market for aviation and maritime e-fuels is expected to open up by 2030, and by 2050 the EU will need 25-30 million tonnes of aviation e-fuel a year.

The potential of CO₂

With supportive regulation in place, companies have the chance to make full use of the potential of CO₂. Once captured, carbon dioxide can be converted into a variety of end products and intermediates.

Combined with green hydrogen, CO₂ can be used to produce synthetic fuels such as e-diesel, e-jet fuel and methanol. This innovation is particularly important because growing demand for renewable fuel in the aviation and maritime sectors is likely to create substantial market opportunities.

The potential of captured CO₂ goes beyond fuels. As a feedstock for producing essential carbon-based chemicals and polymers, CO₂ can play a significant role in everyday products. The current market for sustainable carbon sources is already sizeable, and forecasts suggest that the amount of carbon in these products could rise from 450 million tonnes today to 1 billion tonnes in 2050.

Carbon capture and utilisation – the key to turning problems into opportunities

The many CCU technologies and process concepts each have their own particular advantages and applications. The right choice depends on several factors, including the desired end product, the operating environment and the sustainability of the technology.

For example, a CCU process can use CO₂, water and renewable electricity as raw materials for producing transport fuels. First, the CO₂ and water are converted into synthesis gas, which can then be processed using Fischer-Tropsch synthesis to create hydrocarbons; these are upgraded through water separation and distillation to produce high-quality transport fuel.

By understanding and adopting the right CCU technologies, companies can significantly improve their environmental impact while creating new markets and driving economic growth.

Collaboration in innovation

Collaboration is vital in this rapidly developing field. VTT is a versatile innovation partner, ready to support companies in their CCU projects. With nearly 40 years of experience in catalyst and process development, VTT offers impartial, science-based support. VTT provides access to a wide range of research infrastructure, including technologies for capturing CO₂, producing green hydrogen and synthesising catalysts.

VTT is a visionary research and innovation partner organisation for business and society, owned by the Finnish state

VTT is one of the leading research organisations in Europe. It advances research processes and the application and commercialisation of technology in business and society. Through science and technology, VTT turns major global challenges into sustainable growth for companies and society. VTT brings together people, businesses, science and technology to solve the biggest challenges of our time. This fosters sustainable growth, employment and prosperity, and creates opportunities for rapid growth. Of the organisation's total core operating income, approximately 33% is state funding, 41% is jointly financed competitive public funding and 27% is revenue from commercial activities.