Lay perceptions of Carbon Dioxide Utilization (CDU) technologies in the UK and Germany: A qualitative interview study

Carbon Dioxide Utilisation (CDU) technologies capture and convert Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from large point-source emitters (e.g. power generation) into carbon-based products (e.g. plastics, cement). CDU technologies are viewed as... [ view full abstract ]

Carbon Dioxide Utilisation (CDU) technologies capture and convert Carbon Dioxide (CO2) from large point-source emitters (e.g. power generation) into carbon-based products (e.g. plastics, cement). CDU technologies are viewed as a means of helping to address climate change while creating saleable commodities, which help to offset the cost of the capture processes by generating economic revenue.

The principle of CDU is not new; however, there are manifold new and emerging technologies that remain at low technology readiness levels. While technical research and development into the feasibility of these options is accelerating, at present there has been little research into the public (and broader social) acceptability of the technologies and related product options. The importance of such research should not be understated, considering the noted impact that public opinion can have on the commercial success of such technologies.

This presentation outlines the rationale and results of a study involving as series of 28 semi-structured interviews conducted with lay people in the UK (n = 18) and Germany (n = 10). The principal aim was to compare and contrast emerging perceptions of CDU in these countries. The international comparison is pertinent bearing in mind extant differences in public perceptions of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies in the UK versus Germany. Failures in siting, public engagement and communication around CCS in Germany have rendered public opinion comparatively less favourable than in the UK. Bearing in mind the conceptual similarities of CDU and CCS (utilisation of CO2 can be used as an adjunct to more general storage processes) there is a potential for perceptions of CCS to differently affect perceptions of CDU in these countries.

The results of the study will be discussed in relation to the emerging perceptions of the conceptual, techno-economic and societal risks and benefits of the technology, and how these relate to the broader acceptance or rejection of the technology. For example, the extent to which CDU is believed to facilitate or inhibit efforts to encourage greater sustainability within society (e.g. reduced reliance on fossil fuels) has been found to be linked with more positive and negative evaluations of the technology, respectively. Implications for the findings in terms of shaping communication and engagement protocols around the promotion of CDU technologies will be discussed and future research directions will be presented.