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Chemistry / Re: Why not break down excess carbon dioxide into carbon and oxygen?
« on: 06/12/2013 18:08:59 »
I understand that it takes energy to break down carbon dioxide into carbon and oxygen and that, if such energy is derived from burning of fossil fuels, we just make the problem worse by generating further carbon dioxide emissions.
But who says that the energy required to break down carbon dioxide has to come from fossil fuels? Why can it not be derived from renewables, such as wind?
I know that wind energy is intermittent, but if the carbon dioxide can be temporarily stored, then it can be broken down during periods when wind energy is available.
Of course, there would be a cost (capital, depreciation and maintenance of the wind turbines). That cost could legitimately be charged to emitters of carbon dioxide. It would increase the cost of energy produced from fossil fuels, discouraging such use in favor of non polluting sources. There could be negative economic consequences in the short term, but in the long term, benefits could be substantial.
Tony Manera
December 6, 2013
But who says that the energy required to break down carbon dioxide has to come from fossil fuels? Why can it not be derived from renewables, such as wind?
I know that wind energy is intermittent, but if the carbon dioxide can be temporarily stored, then it can be broken down during periods when wind energy is available.
Of course, there would be a cost (capital, depreciation and maintenance of the wind turbines). That cost could legitimately be charged to emitters of carbon dioxide. It would increase the cost of energy produced from fossil fuels, discouraging such use in favor of non polluting sources. There could be negative economic consequences in the short term, but in the long term, benefits could be substantial.
Tony Manera
December 6, 2013