High Temperature Co-Electrolysis as a Key Technology for CO2 Emission Mitigation – A Model-Based Assessment of CDA and CCU

The mitigation of CO₂ emissions is a major challenge for modern society. While the mitigation of energy-related emissions can be achieved comparatively easy by switching to renewable energy sources, reduction of process-related industrial emissions is considerably more challenging. To reduce industrial CO₂ emissions, two basic routes are available: carbon direct avoidance (CDA) and carbon capture and utilization (CCU). It is shown that in terms of efficiency, CDA is to be favored when applicable. However, for applications where emissions cannot be avoided, CCU can be a viable approach allowing for emission mitigation.