Carbon for Power-to-X: suitable CO2 sources and integration in PtX value chains

Climate-friendly alternatives to fossil fuels and materials are being extensively developed. However, sustainable hydrocarbons require a suitable carbon source. In this report, DECHEMA, as part of the International PtX Hub, examines carbon dioxide (CO2) as a carbon source for Power-to-X (PtX) applications.

The PtX concept is an important contribution to the industrial energy transition. For processes that are difficult to electrify, PtX offers sustainable production routes based on green hydrogen. To replace fossil-based compounds, many PtX routes need to implement a carbon feed. Combined with hydrogen, CO2 can serve as a feedstock for the production of fuels, polymers and a wide range of basic chemicals such as methanol.

The report identifies and describes various sources of CO2, including industrial and biogenic point sources, waste and wastewater treatment, and atmospheric air. It also provides an overview of infrastructure and technologies for CO2 capture, as well as different approaches to combustion processes.