From cycling to climate benefit: a perspective on redefining CO₂ utilization for reduction and storage

Carbon capture and utilization (CCU) mitigate climate change by converting CO₂ into fuels, chemicals, and construction materials. From a life cycle view, CCU benefits arise by preventing point-source emissions, substituting carbon-intensive products, and coupling with renewable energy to lower upstream impacts. However, high energy needs, feedstock costs, and capture requirements continue to limit large-scale deployment. This perspective reframes CCU beyond conventional cycling by outlining three strategic pathways: replacing high-emission fossil products such as urea to maximize substitution benefits even when CO₂ is later re-emitted; sourcing CO₂ from biogenic streams to create near-neutral cycles; and using CO₂ as a hydrogen carrier that transports energy and enables subsequent permanent storage through concrete mineralization. Combined with falling renewable electricity costs, industrial co-location, and targeted policy support, CCU can progress from niche demonstrations to a scalable contributor to industrial decarbonization and climate-neutral production.