Changing CO2 into Gasoline
Yep, you read that right. An article in the “Science” section of the New York Times is about scientists F. Jeffery Martin and William L. Kubic Jr., who propose a concept for removing carbon dioxide from the air and turning it back into gasoline. They’ve dubbed the concept: Green Freedom.
It’s supposed to be a simple process. Today’s article states:
The idea is simple. Air would be blown over a liquid solution of potassium carbonate, which would absorb the carbon dioxide. The carbon dioxide would then be extracted and subjected to chemical reactions that would turn it into fuel: methanol, gasoline or jet fuel.
This is still in the pre-prototype, hashing it out in the garage phase. The scientists said it was all based on existing technology. It sounds really good doesn’t it? Well it kind of goes downhill from here.
There is a reason someone hasn’t already does this. It takes a lot of energy. Each plant would require its own nuclear power plant or a heck of a lot of solar panels. And the recycled CO2 is only economical when gasoline prices are $4.60 or greater. What?
I know this was a real reach. It made a real nice headline but hey we’re trying to lower prices at the pump and if I had my wish there wouldn’t be any pump at all. Back to the drawing board.
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/02/19/science/19carb.html?_r=1&ref=environment&oref=slogin