Carbon Utilization in Action

Carbon utilization has been gaining momentum as an increasingly important approach to emissions reduction. Instead of storing captured carbon dioxide (CO₂) underground, carbon utilization adds value to CO₂—transforming it into products that support a low-emissions future. Canada’s Carbon Management Strategy emphasizes the importance of low-carbon products for achieving the country’s 2030 and 2050 climate goals. Utilization can enhance the business case for carbon capture by creating a product value chain with monetary benefits. From fuels and chemicals, algae and biological products, to the food and beverage industry, CO₂ can be used as a feedstock to create low-emission alternatives to everyday products.

To highlight the growing potential of utilization in North America, we have identified several unique projects. These projects use CO₂ in one of two ways, either chemically altering it into a product that offsets the use of a petroleum product or using it directly for storage within a product. These utilization technologies have upcoming or operational pilot facilities with a technology readiness level of 5 or greater.

Utilization Projects in North America

Utilization Pathway Technology Readiness Level

Learn more about Technology Readiness Levels here.

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Technology Readiness Level The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) reflects the maturity of a technology specifically in the context of its application to carbon capture.
Level 1	Basic principles of concept are observed and reported. Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Activities might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.
Level 2	Technology concept and/or application formulated. Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Activities are limited to analytic studies.
Level 3	Analytical and experimental critical function and/or proof of concept. Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and/or laboratory studies. Activities might include components that are not yet integrated or representative.
Level 4	Component and/or validation in a laboratory environment. Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. Activities include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in the laboratory.
Level 5	Component and/or validation in a simulated environment. The basic technological components are integrated for testing in a simulated environment. Activities include laboratory integration of components.
Level 6	System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a simulated environment. A model or prototype that represents a near desired configuration. Activities include testing in a simulated operational environment or laboratory.
Level 7	Prototype ready for demonstration in an appropriate operational environment. Prototype at planned operational level and is ready for demonstration in an operational environment. Activities include prototype field testing.
Level 8	Actual technology completed and qualified through tests and demonstrations. Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. Activities include developmental testing and evaluation of whether it will meet operational requirements.
Level 9	Actual technology proven through successful deployment in an operational setting. Actual application of the technology in its final form and under real-life conditions, such as those encountered in operational tests and evaluations. Activities include using the innovation under operational conditions.

Technology Readiness Level

The Technology Readiness Level (TRL) reflects the maturity of a technology specifically in the context of its application to carbon capture.

Level 1

Basic principles of concept are observed and reported.

Scientific research begins to be translated into applied research and development. Activities might include paper studies of a technology’s basic properties.

Level 2

Technology concept and/or application formulated.

Invention begins. Once basic principles are observed, practical applications can be invented. Activities are limited to analytic studies.

Level 3

Analytical and experimental critical function and/or proof of concept.

Active research and development is initiated. This includes analytical studies and/or laboratory studies. Activities might include components that are not yet integrated or representative.

Level 4

Component and/or validation in a laboratory environment.

Basic technological components are integrated to establish that they will work together. Activities include integration of “ad hoc” hardware in the laboratory.

Level 5

Component and/or validation in a simulated environment.

The basic technological components are integrated for testing in a simulated environment. Activities include laboratory integration of components.

Level 6

System/subsystem model or prototype demonstration in a simulated environment.

A model or prototype that represents a near desired configuration. Activities include testing in a simulated operational environment or laboratory.

Level 7

Prototype ready for demonstration in an appropriate operational environment.

Prototype at planned operational level and is ready for demonstration in an operational environment. Activities include prototype field testing.

Level 8

Actual technology completed and qualified through tests and demonstrations.

Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. Activities include developmental testing and evaluation of whether it will meet operational requirements.

Level 9

Actual technology proven through successful deployment in an operational setting.

Actual application of the technology in its final form and under real-life conditions, such as those encountered in operational tests and evaluations. Activities include using the innovation under operational conditions.