N. Andersen
The so-called "net zero" in greenhouse gas emissions is an important goal – but according to a joint assessment by the Swiss Empa and the German Öko-Institut, it is not sufficient to achieve climate targets. CO2 capture technologies – and solutions like "Carbfix" – are urgently needed.
The TA-Swiss Foundation, which, according to the Federal Research Promotion Act (FIFG), iswith assessing the future viability of new technologies as well as their opportunities and risks, has in a study "Opportunities and Risks of Methods for Removing and Storing CO2from the Atmosphere" given high priority. The researchers agree that Switzerland, too, dependent on the use of so-called negative emission technologies (NETs) is.
NET processes are intended to remove CO2from the atmosphere and store it long-term. An examination of the five most relevant technologies for Switzerland quickly revealed that there is no silver bullet for CO2 removal– aneeded Swiss-specific mix
Photos: Carbfix
To offset unavoidable residual emissions, are "an indispensable addition," but at the same time "nothing more than that," the study states. They are certainly not suitableambitious CO2 reduction measures to . is not large enough, and their application is still associated with excessively high costs and too many uncertainties. To achieve climate targets,are : primarily, reducing the amount of greenhouse gases emitted, and additionally, CO2 removal processes combined with greenhouse gassinksfor the remaining emissions.
Asthe delivered by ship from Switzerland carbon dioxide to the Carbfix site in Helguvík, Iceland, began. there has an annual capture capacity of 3000 t CO2, and 1000 t hydrogen sulfide (H2Splant).The
For mobility and transport, means that different , and the most suitable ones for each be used , shouldThe decisive factor is . not the type of drive system, but solely that the chosen concept relies on renewable energies– for example, the use of biogas and LBG/bio-LNG.
Empa Director P. Richner
than comparable diesel trucksCO2 . When running on Swiss biogas, they operate almost CO2-neutrally. Even with conventional LNG, significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions can be avoided. CNG, which is liquefied through cooling, burnsconsiderably cleaner and produces15 percent less CO2,35 percent less nitrogen oxides, and even 95 percent less particulate matter than diesel. In the mobility sector, CNG and LNG vehicles couldthereforemake a significant contribution to achieving net-zero emissions thanks to a reliable technology that has been proven over many years.
Even if this drive technologyis based on combustion engines. "Whatthe case for both biogas and the use of LBG/Bio-LNG is.
“A complete replacement of fossil fuels is necessary,” stated Peter Richner, Deputy Director of Empa, in an interview. He added that this transition must happen as quickly as possible to keep the damage caused by global warming within manageable limits.
Unfortunately, much regarding the use of NET technologies, whichCO2 from the atmosphere and store it long-term. Some of the methods are clearly still untested in practice, technically complex, expensive, or not yet suitable for large-scale deployment. This is also demonstrated by the TA-Swiss study. However, avoiding emissions today is definitely more cost-effective than. removing CO2 from the air later
Photo: Refuelery
Incidentally, the world's second-largest liquefaction plant for biofuels and synthetic fuels is currently under construction in Burghaun near Fulda, in the heart of Germany. It is being built by Reefuelery GmbH and, upon completion, is expected to supply a considerable quantity of climate-neutral fuel for heavy goods and freight transport. According to official information, the plant will have a capacity of 180 tons of bio-LNG per day.
Jürg A. Stettler / LI klk.
The TA Swiss study as a PDF
