The amount of CO2 Mitsui Chemicals intend recycling, as related in the two reports enclosed, into valuable plastics manufacturing raw materials seems small, even miniscule when compared to the overall volume of CO2 emissions. But, the technology is real, as we've documented from other sources.
We can reclaim the Carbon Dioxide co-product of our coal-use industries and convert it into useful plastics, and even more liquid fuel.
As follows:
Mitsui Chemical Inc. of Japan has decided to begin construction of a pilot plant for continued development of producing methanol from industrial CO2 effluent and photocatalyst produced hydrogen. Due to build starting in October of 2008 with completion next February the plant is expected to go into use in March of 2010, the plant’s annual yield would work out to be the U.S. equivalent of over 33,000 gallons.
Mitsui Chemicals Inc. ("MCI") has decided to begin construction of a pilot facility which will be used to continue the company's efforts to develop a methanol synthetic process from CO2. MCI has been pushing forward the development of "Chemical immobilization of CO2", which synthesizes methanol later used in the production of olefins and aromatics, using the CO2 emitted from factories and hydrogen obtained from water photolysis."
Interestingly, the Japanese seem to propose obtaining the needed Hydrogen from, as we've earlier documented to be possible, water, by using solar energy, i.e., "photolysis". We know that Hydrogen can be obtained from water via electrolysis, but that requires electricity, which could be generated from renewable sources, such as hydroelectric, but might require the use of more coal for power generation. If sunlight can be captured effectively enough to accomplish the task, that would be yet another process efficiency wherein environmental energy can be harnessed to help clean up the environment.
Coal use doesn't generate pollutants, just valuable co-products that can be profitably reclaimed and employed by industry.