Natural vs engineering CO2 capture and utilization

In this work, a mathematical optimization approach is used to analyze facilities that capture CO2 artificially or use the naturally captured CO2 in the form of lignocellulosic biomass. They are later compared towards the production of methanol evaluating different biomasses including energy crops, forest and agricultural residues, and two direct air capture technologies (DAC). Hydrogen is produced by splitting water using solar and/or wind energy. Facilities based on PV solar and wind turbines have been designed, considering their monthly operation due to the solar and wind availability using a multiperiod approach to provide for the energy to power the DAC’s and the production of hydrogen. The current development of technologies gives biomass an advantage as carbon capture technology with production and investment costs 10 times lower due to the large cost of the renewable energy collection for the operation of the fans. However, the area required for growing biomass, but the case of residues, and the total amount of water consumed, 2 orders of magnitude above, are in favor of the engineered alternative.