Network Optimization of the Electrosynthesis of Chemicals from CO2

Carbon dioxide electroreduction (ECO2R) is gaining attention due to its capacity to mitigate CO₂ emissions while using electricity that would otherwise be curtailed. Its foreseeable industrial implementation requires of holistic methods to assess the technological and economic performance of ECO2R processes and integrate them in current chemical supply chains and power systems. Here, we combine techno-economic assessment and mathematical programming to find the optimal paths to electroreduce CO₂ into valuable chemicals under variable electricity prices. The proposed approach is tested with a case study addressing the CO₂ capture from flue gas or direct air and its electricity-powered reduction into carbon monoxide, formic acid or multi-carbon compounds. The results obtained demonstrate the ability of the framework to build ECO2R networks and provide operation profiles that respond to fluctuating electricity prices.