The report “Exploring Carbon Recycling Opportunities in ASEAN” is a collaborative study organised by the Asia Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) Network of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia (ERIA) to support acceleration of decarbonisation in Asia. To achieve decarbonisation and net-zero emissions (NZE), there is no single solution that fits for all countries in the region. Natural resource endowments, technical capacities, available funding, and other resources may lead to different pathways in meeting NZE. The objective of this study is to include research institutions from various countries and expose them to potential carbon recycling issues and inclusively provide their thoughts on how to harness the opportunity.
Carbon recycling is part of CCUS technology. CCUS consists of two technologies: carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and storage (CCS), which is the technology to reduce CO2 emissions by separating, capturing, and injecting it into deep underground storage such as depleted petroleum reservoirs, saline aquifers, or carbonate rock for the permanent storage of carbon dioxide; and carbon dioxide capture and utilisation (CCU) technology, which is the use or reuse of emitted carbon dioxide as a raw material for producing chemical products and fuel. CCU is known as carbon recycling as its process keeps CO2 in the human-made system, forming a carbon loop and preventing it from immediate release into the atmosphere, like natural systems recycle carbon.
With CCU technology, captured CO2 can be used in various products, including direct use, chemicals, fuels, construction materials, and proteins through technologies like thermochemistry, photochemistry, electrochemistry, biochemistry, and nanotechnology. The role of cross-border collaboration is critical in advancing carbon recycling as it addresses both technological and policy challenges. Carbon recycling, particularly through innovative CO₂ utilisation technologies for fuel and chemical production, although it aligns with ASEAN’s economic growth and climate objectives, faces many challenges. The national efforts in ASEAN are fragmented by high costs and regulatory discrepancies. A regional co-operation is essential for harmonising these endeavours and mainstreaming CO₂-derived products.
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