CO2 (Carbon Dioxide), is a colorless and odorless gas that occurs in nature and serves as source of carbon for photosynthesis in all plants and crops. “CO2 utilization” refers to the use of CO2 at concentrations above atmospheric levels, directly or as a feedstock in industrial or chemical processes, to produce valuable carbon-containing product. The key problem with CO2 utilization is the thermodynamics of the process. No matter the route, sufficient energy must be supplied in some form to promote the required chemistry and any proposed technology must explain the source of the energy or avoid conversion of the carbon/oxygen bonds. Many concentrated sources of CO2 are potential inputs for the bioeconomy including fermentation from ethanol, biomass gasification, air capture, as well as fossil sources such as methanol and ammonia plants, natural gas wells and combustion sources. Potential utilization options include long term storage in well and enhanced oil recovery, conversion through chemical synthesis to fuels and chemicals, or the biological conversion using algae or advanced bioreactor technologies. The recognition of environmental benefits of CO2 utilization through programs such as the California Low Carbon Fuel Standard, as well as Federal tax credits provide an important revenue source.
A “CO2 expert” should have degrees and experience in chemical/mechanical engineering with emphasis on gas dynamics, process engineering, geological engineering, and bio engineering. Experience in related technologies such as methanol and Fischer Tropsch synthesis, algae production, and fuel and chemical production are also an asset. The CO2 Expert can assist clients in the ethanol, petroleum, and chemical industry with the screening of end use options, evaluation of economic opportunities, and assessment of the incentives and risks. Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in biofuels and renewable fuels, and the more common areas like biomaterials, biomass and biomass power, feedstocks, and biotechnologies. In these larger consulting groups, one will also find expertise in other biofuels like algae biofuels, aviation/biojet fuels, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, advanced biofuels, biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, renewable and biochemicals, biogas, syngas, biochar, bio coals, biobutanol, pyrolysis oil, and producer gas, wood pellets. Lee Enterprises Consulting is the world’s premier bioeconomy consulting group, with over 100 highly qualified experts in CO2 and serving in all these areas.
Large renewable energy and biochemical consulting firms certainly have experts in biofuels and renewable biofuels like bio ethanol, biodiesel, and renewable diesel, and the more common areas like biomaterials, biomass, biomass power, feedstocks, and biotechnology – and should have experts familiar with CO2 and its utilization. In these larger consulting groups, one will also find energy consultants in some specialty area like other biofuels like algae biofuels, aviation/biojet fuels, ethanol, cellulosic ethanol, advanced biofuels, biodiesel, renewable diesel, renewable natural gas, renewable and biochemicals, biogas, syngas, biochar, bio coals, biobutanol, pyrolysis oil, producer gas, and wood pellets. Take a look at our experts and the services we provide. Most of our experts are also available to advise and serve as expert witnesses in bioeconomy litigation matters. For the larger projects, we specialize in putting together full service, interdisciplinary teams with one point of contact. Call us at 1+ (501) 833-8511 or email us for more information. See also: CO2 Utilization: The Future of Hydrocarbon Fuels
