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Climate Change
Based in part on a workshop held at CGEP in Summer 2017, the Innovation for Cool Earth Forum released Roadmaps of “CO2 Utilization 2.0” and “Energy Storage” at a launch event at COP23 in Bonn, Germany on November 14, 2017.
CO2 utilization (CO2U), the use of CO2 to produce economically valuable products, attracts attentions due in part to the Paris Agreement and its ambitious emissions goals. CO2 utilization can involve a wide array of applications, technologies, energy requirements and locations. However there is limited information and analysis available on potential pathways for developing CO2U products or benefits of CO2U, including for climate mitigation. Building on prior work by the ICEF Innovation Roadmap Project, this CO2U roadmap explores these topics.
The roadmap focuses on concrete & carbonate materials (near-term market), commodity chemicals (near- and medium- term market) and durable carbon materials (small market today but potential large long-term market). The roadmap discusses the central importance of life cycle analysis in analyzing the benefits of CO2U. It explores policy approaches to promote and maximize the benefits of CO2U.
CO2U can play an important role in low-carbon development. With more research and development (R&D), supportive policies and attention to life cycle impacts of technologies, CO2 utilization can play an important role in climate mitigation in the years ahead.
Energy storage is an important enabling technology to assist energy system transformation. According to ETP2017 released from IEA, stationary electric energy storage for large share variable renewable power, and mobility energy storage for transportation electrification have to be deployed by 2060 in the two degree scenario. Achievement of the huge energy storage growth requests long-term targets in technological development and support policies.
Three storage areas, stationary electric energy storage to ensure power system flexibility portfolio, mobility electric energy storage as key to the transportation electrification, and stationary thermal energy storage storing renewable or environmental heat, are identified. Current statuses and future goals with timelines in the focus areas, including those of advanced battery, and supportive policies are presented in the roadmap.
Attention to energy storage has been increasing. Three recommendations are proposed to the world, recognizing the importance of energy storage, involvement of stakeholders in government, municipalities, and private sector, and sharing diffusion experience.
To achieve the Paris Agreement goals, the global buildings sector must achieve net-zero emissions by 2050, and all new buildings must be net-zero carbon starting in 2030.
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