What is Biogenic Liquid CO2?
Biogenic liquid CO2 is a type of carbon dioxide that is derived from organic sources, such as plants, animals, or waste products. Unlike CO2 that comes from burning fossil fuels, which adds new carbon to the atmosphere, biogenic CO2 is part of the natural carbon cycle. When this CO2 is captured, purified, and condensed into a liquid form, it becomes biogenic liquid CO2.
This type of CO2 is considered more environmentally friendly because it originates from renewable sources and doesn’t contribute to the overall increase in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels. Instead, it’s a way to recycle carbon that is already in the ecosystem, making it a valuable component in sustainable practices and industries.
How is Biogenic Liquid CO2 Produced?
The production of biogenic liquid CO2 typically involves several steps:
Collection of Biogenic Materials: The process starts with collecting organic materials that can produce biogenic CO2. These materials can include agricultural waste, food scraps, manure, and other plant-based products. For example, when food waste decomposes or biomass is processed in an anaerobic digestion plant, CO2 is released.
Capture of CO2: The CO2 released from these organic materials is captured using carbon capture technology. This technology is often applied in processes like fermentation in breweries, biogas production, or even in certain types of power plants that burn biomass instead of fossil fuels.
Purification: The captured CO2 is then purified to remove any impurities, ensuring that the CO2 is of high quality. This step is crucial because the purity of CO2 determines its suitability for different applications, such as in food and beverage production or industrial processes.
Liquefaction: Once purified, the CO2 is cooled and compressed to transform it into a liquid state. This liquid CO2 is easier to store and transport than its gaseous form, making it more versatile for various uses.
Uses of Biogenic Liquid CO2
Biogenic liquid CO2 has a wide range of applications across different industries:
Food and Beverage Industry: One of the most common uses of biogenic liquid CO2 is in the food and beverage industry. It’s used to carbonate soft drinks, make sparkling water, and even in the packaging of perishable foods to keep them fresh for longer. The fact that biogenic CO2 comes from renewable sources makes it an attractive option for companies aiming to reduce their carbon footprint.
Agriculture: In agriculture, biogenic liquid CO2 is sometimes used to enhance plant growth in greenhouses. By increasing the concentration of CO2 in the air, plants can photosynthesise more efficiently, leading to better growth and higher yields. This use of CO2 is part of a closed-loop system that mimics natural processes.
Industrial Uses: Biogenic liquid CO2 is also employed in various industrial processes, such as in the production of chemicals, plastics, and metals. It can be used as a solvent in certain chemical reactions, or as a refrigerant in cooling systems. Its environmentally friendly nature makes it a preferred choice in industries that are moving towards more sustainable practices.
Carbon Storage: In some cases, biogenic liquid CO2 is used for long-term storage in geological formations, much like fossil-derived CO2. This approach helps to remove CO2 from the atmosphere and store it safely underground, contributing to efforts to combat climate change.
Environmental Benefits of Biogenic Liquid CO2
Biogenic liquid CO2 offers several environmental benefits, making it an important tool in the transition to a more sustainable future:
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Since biogenic CO2 is derived from organic materials that are part of the natural carbon cycle, using it does not increase the overall amount of CO2 in the atmosphere. This is in contrast to CO2 from fossil fuels, which adds new carbon to the cycle and contributes to global warming.
Support for Renewable Energy: Biogenic CO2 is often produced as a byproduct of renewable energy processes, such as biogas production from anaerobic digestion. This connection to renewable energy sources makes biogenic liquid CO2 an integral part of sustainable energy systems.
Promotion of Circular Economy: The use of biogenic liquid CO2 supports the principles of a circular economy, where waste products are recycled and reused rather than discarded. By capturing and reusing CO2 from organic sources, we can reduce waste and make better use of natural resources.
Mitigation of Climate Change: By capturing and utilising CO2 that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere, biogenic liquid CO2 helps to mitigate the effects of climate change. Whether used in products, industrial processes, or stored underground, this form of CO2 contributes to efforts to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions.
Real-World Example: Biogenic CO2 in the Beverage Industry
A well-known example of biogenic liquid CO2 in action is its use in the beverage industry. Many soft drink manufacturers now use CO2 captured from natural fermentation processes, such as those in breweries or ethanol production facilities. This CO2 is purified and liquefied before being used to carbonate drinks. By sourcing CO2 from renewable, biogenic origins, these companies reduce their reliance on fossil-derived CO2 and lower their carbon footprint.
In the UK, some breweries capture the CO2 released during the fermentation of beer, purify it, and then reuse it to carbonate their products or even sell it to other beverage manufacturers. This not only reduces waste but also turns a byproduct into a valuable resource, aligning with sustainability goals.
Conclusion
Biogenic liquid CO2 is a sustainable, versatile resource derived from organic materials that offers a range of benefits across multiple industries. By capturing CO2 that is already part of the natural carbon cycle, we can reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, lower our carbon footprint, and promote a circular economy. Whether used in food and beverage production, agriculture, or industrial processes, biogenic liquid CO2 is helping to pave the way towards a more sustainable future.
As industries continue to seek ways to reduce their environmental impact, the role of biogenic liquid CO2 is likely to grow, making it an important component in the global effort to combat climate change and build a greener world.