Author(s)

C. Konrad, J. Strittmatter, D. Haumann, G. Göttlicher & E. Osmancevic

Abstract

In the context of the research project \“Solar2Fuel” funded by the German Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (2009 – 2011) the aim is to examine the necessary steps for building up of a conversion technology of CO2 into a valuable product with the help of solar energy. In focus of this article is the photocatalytic conversion of carbon dioxide to methanol (CH3OH), the identification of large-scale solar regions in South Europe and North Africa and the CO2 transport via pipeline. The estimated scenarios are built on a calculated CO2 amount of 50 Mt/a which is the equivalent to ten modern coal fired power stations with an installed power of 800 MW each. Keywords: photocatalytic, CO2 transport, CO2 pipeline, CO2 conversion, solar areas. 1 Introduction Solar2Fuel is a joint project between EnBW Energie Baden-Württemberg AG, BASF SE, University of Heidelberg and Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). The project is coordinated by the association of German Engineers e.V. (VDI). The aim of the entire project is the development of a novel technology for the chemical conversion of CO2 into a useful product with help of sun energy. In focus is the methanol recovery as a fuel e.g. usage in combustion engines or fuel cells. Recycling of CO2 from stationary resources can serve as an important contribution for a sustainable energy economy as well as the prevention of climate change from CO2 emissions.

Keywords

photocatalytic, CO2 transport, CO2 pipeline, CO2 conversion, solar areas