Cost-optimal pathways towards net-zero chemicals and plastics based on a circular carbon economy
Computers & Chemical Engineering, vol. 162, pp. 107798
Abstract
Without disruptive change, greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from fossil production of chemicals and plastics will double by 2050. The transition to net-zero GHG emissions requires a concerted strategy for the whole chemical industry due to its integrated supply chains. A cost analysis is needed to determine the required investments and to design carbon-pricing incentives. Here, we present cost-optimal investment pathways for the global production of chemicals and plastics by using a bottom-up process model that captures the complexity of the chemical industry. To accomplish net-zero, capital expenditures need to increase by 36-51 % over the next 30 years. In contrast, the total annualized cost could be similar (+4 %) to fossil-based production. Net-zero production and its costs will rely on the availability of renewable electricity and biomass. At the same time, high recycling rates are a key to keeping resource demands low and reducing the sensitivity to high resource prices.
Authors 4
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Affiliation as printed
Institute for Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52062, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Carbon Minds GmbH, Cologne 50933, Germany
Institute for Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52062, Germany
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Affiliation as printed
Carbon Minds GmbH, Cologne 50933, Germany
Institute for Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52062, Germany
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Forschungszentrum Jülich · ETH Zurich · RWTH Aachen University
Affiliation as printed
Energy & Process Systems Engineering, ETH Zurich, Zurich 8092, Switzerland
Institute for Technical Thermodynamics, RWTH Aachen University, Aachen 52062, Germany
Institute of Energy and Climate Research - Energy Systems Engineering (IEK-10), Forschungszentrum Jülich GmbH, Jülich, Germany
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