In a fossil-free future, carbon will continue to be a vital component in many industrial processes and products, such as fuels, chemicals, and materials. However, the current sources of CO鈧� are largely fossil-based, which is unsustainable in the long term. This project, titled "Local Synergies for Sustainable and Diversified CO鈧� Utilization", focuses on how bio-based industries can play a key role in providing renewable CO鈧�, creating local synergies for CO鈧� utilization, and reducing the dependence on fossil carbon. The project explores how these industries can contribute to a more sustainable and resilient CO鈧� market.
Goals
The primary goal of this project is to identify and analyze local and regional opportunities for CO鈧� utilization, particularly by leveraging the potential of bio-based industries. This includes:
- Identifying local synergies between CO鈧� producers and users to optimize resource use.
- Evaluating how bio-based industries can diversify the CO鈧� market and reduce its reliance on fossil-based sources.
- Investigating the role of bio-based CO鈧� in promoting a circular carbon economy.
- Examining the technical, organizational, and economic conditions necessary for the effective use of biogenic CO鈧�.
Expected Outcomes
The project is expected to deliver several key outcomes:
- Improved Circularity: By promoting the use of renewable, biogenic CO鈧�, the project will contribute to the creation of more circular carbon processes, reducing the reliance on fossil fuels.
- Increased Market Resilience: Diversifying the CO鈧� supply chain with local, bio-based sources will help make the CO鈧� market more resilient to external disruptions.
- Environmental Benefits: The increased use of biogenic CO鈧� can lead to significant reductions in CO鈧� emissions by replacing fossil-based carbon sources, thereby contributing to global climate goals.
- New Business Models: The project will propose new business models and partnerships between CO鈧� producers and users, particularly in local and regional contexts, helping bio-based industries to better valorize their CO鈧� outputs.
The relevance of this project is significant for multiple sectors. As Sweden and other countries move toward fossil-free economies, finding sustainable alternatives to fossil-based CO鈧� is crucial. Bio-based industries, such as those involved in biogas production, bioethanol, and biomass energy, generate large amounts of CO鈧� as a byproduct, which can be captured and reused. This approach aligns with the goals of a circular economy, where waste becomes a resource, and helps industries transition to sustainable practices.
Additionally, the project addresses the vulnerability of the current CO鈧� market, which has experienced supply chain disruptions due to reliance on a small number of fossil-based CO鈧� producers. By developing local synergies, the project will strengthen the security of supply and promote the use of renewable CO鈧� in industries such as agriculture, food and beverage, and construction.
