Unaddressed non-energy use in the chemical industry can undermine fossil fuels phase-out

This study explores the future role of fossil fuels for non-energy purposes in climate-stringent scenarios, focusing on the primary chemicals sector. Using a global integrated assessment model, findings reveal that up to 62% of total feedstock use in the chemical sector could be provided by alternative sources by 2050, requiring significant scale-up in biomass utilization and carbon capture technologies. Annual CO2 emissions from the chemical sector could be reduced to as low as -1Gt CO2 by 2050 if carbon storage in non-recycled and non-incinerated bioplastics is accounted for. The study highlights the need to address the non-energy use of fossil fuels in global climate policy.

Marianne Zanon-Zotin, Luiz Bernardo Baptista, Rebecca Draeger, Pedro R. R. Rochedo, Alexandre Szklo, Roberto Schaeffer