Utilization of Renewable Power for the Synthesis of Liquid Fuels using CO2 or Biomass Feedstock,

The conversion of renewable energies such as wind, solar or marine energies to fuels and chemicals could hold the promise of more sustainable routes to the production of fuels and chemicals, especially when coupled with the chemical utilization of more sustainable feedstocks like carbon dioxide or gasified ‘waste’ biomass feedstock. However, a number of sustainability criteria and technical requirements must be met in order for a reaction route to become a sensible process - and perhaps even a commercial reality. In this paper, we wish to chart this arduous but rewarding landscape within the general context of carbon dioxide abatement, integrated energy systems using renewable power sources, and basic process engineering feasibility. We will focus mostly on carbon dioxide utilization, although many of the results presented here would be applicable to un-shifted, CO2-rich synthesis gas derived from biomass. We shall see that the particular nature and distribution of renewable energies as well as the existing chemical engineering technology impose certain fundamental constraints, with regard not just to where and when such technology might be profitably deployed, but also with regard to the type of synthesis routes and process designs that would be best suited for sustainable production of fuels and chemicals from renewable sources of power and carbon. Where possible, we wish to advocate certain approaches that would help realize the coming of age of this renewably-powered chemical industry.