The first lecture provides an introduction to the general energy context in which the question ofCO2 recovery is posed. These include the prospect of a doubling of the planet's energy consumption by 2050, the depletion of fossil energy sources, the increase of the greenhouse gasCO2 in the atmosphere, which is disrupting the planet's overall carbon cycle, the potential of renewable energies and the need for storage technologies. Against this backdrop, the valorization ofCO2 appears to be an interesting strategy for limiting its concentration in the atmosphere and for storing renewable energies.
To move in this direction, it is first necessary to developCO2 capture and storage processes, particularly at sites with high industrial production (power plants, cement plants, etc.). The current state of the art is discussed. Finally, the current use ofCO2 in industry, which unfortunately accounts for only a very small proportion of total production (around 0.5%), is reviewed. The products of this industry are essentially urea and methanol, as well as carbon monoxide, formic acid and some carbonates.
