Potential Solutions for CO2-capturing Technologies in the Slovenian Context.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Chemical Engineering
• Sustainable Development

Background:

• Human activities have significantly increased atmospheric CO2 concentrations over the last two centuries.
• International efforts to reduce CO2 emissions necessitate exploring economic opportunities through technological innovation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To analyze technological possibilities for CO2 utilization in Slovenia.
• To promote sustainable development by leveraging regional, renewable resources.
• To convert CO2 reduction obligations into economic opportunities.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of the amine process for CO2 concentration.
• Examination of CO2 chemistry, including calcium carbonate precipitation from sources like lime and fly ash.
• Application of product engineering principles for scalable implementation (lab to industrial).

Main Results:

• Identified technological pathways for CO2 capture and utilization in the Slovenian context.
• Demonstrated potential for calcium carbonate precipitation using industrial byproducts.
• Highlighted biomass growth (forestry, algae) as a supplementary CO2 sink.

Conclusions:

• Technological solutions, rather than solely accepting international obligations, can drive economic opportunities for CO2 reduction.
• A stepwise approach from laboratory to industrial scale is crucial for effective implementation.
• Close collaboration between biologists and engineers is essential for efficient technical solutions.