CO2 conversion pathways techno-economic assessment

ADI prioritized nine CO2​-to-value pathways, ranging from carbon mineralization for cement to electrochemical routes for circular fuels. The work assessed the energy intensity and technology readiness of photocatalysis and chemo-enzymatic conversion. Analytical modeling of breakeven costs was conducted to identify the most commercially attractive products in the near-term.

The client

Global investment firm

The situation

Uncertainty over which CO2​ conversion technologies offer the best combination of technical feasibility and market materiality.

ADI’s contributions

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Technical feasibility screening

Compared pathways using thermodynamic properties, energy intensity (kWh/kg), and single-pass conversion rates.

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Market materiality analysis

Quantified the global market size for platform chemicals like methane, methanol, and ethylene produced from CO2​.

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Startup competitive landscaping

Profiled the positioning of 11 startups and large players like Siemens in the catalytic and biological conversion sectors.

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Energy-to-product modeling

Modeled the sensitivity of carbon neutrality to the origin of power resources and optimization of electrochemical processes.

Key outcomes

  • Prioritization of mineralization and thermochemical pathways for immediate investment based on market size and scalability.
Client Results
We engaged ADI for market studies across various industrial air exchanger niches, from upstream to downstream. Their work helped us gain a thorough understanding of market sizes and competitors.
Randy Benson VP Sales & Marketing, Harsco

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