Viability of CO2 recycling to be studied

Published : 27 Nov 2018, 03:23

Updated : 27 Nov 2018, 10:55

DF Report

Press Release Photo by VTT.

The VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland and the City of Nokia have launched a joint study project on the financial viability of various carbon dioxide recycling solutions in the ECO3 bioeconomy and circular economy business park of Nokia in Finland.

The solutions to be explored focus on the use of bio-based carbon dioxide in the production of liquid and gaseous fuels and as a raw material for chemicals in the vicinity of the ECO3 business park, said a VTT press release.

"Carbon dioxide capture is one of the most important means of mitigating climate change. Investing in more efficient climate action is in line with the strategy of the City of Nokia, which aims to promote sustainable solutions and ecological technologies. Capturing carbon dioxide and turning it into products are part of our ECO3 concept,” explained General Manager Sakari Ermala of Verte Ltd, the City of Nokia’s development subsidiary.

The project’s goal is to set-up a framework for potential investors as well as for future technology demonstrations. Verte Ltd is currently pooling interested partners to participate in the project development. The study is expected to be finalised in the spring of 2019.

“There are already examples of new business based on the use of carbon dioxide to produce, for example, fuels, construction materials, plastics and chemicals elsewhere in the world. Interest in new ways to utilise carbon dioxide has grown considerably both in Finland and globally. Nokia’s ECO3 business park has potential in terms of both the capturing and utilisation of carbon dioxide,” said the project manager, Senior Scientist Janne Kärki of VTT.

ECO3 is a new kind of industrial-scale, multi-sector bioeconomy and circular economy competence centre in the Kolmenkulma Eco-Industrial Park in Nokia. ECO3 is both a nationally important competence centre and a demonstration and piloting environment, which the City of Nokia and its development subsidiary Verte Ltd are developing in collaboration with local businesses and universities.