The energy sector and chemical processing industry are the main potential users of carbon dioxide, but in the foreseeable future it should be possible to offer ordinary consumers products refined from carbon dioxide emissions.

"Thanks to the limitations agreed on at Kyoto the markets for good carbon dioxide utilisation technologies are already vast, especially in the EU area. Finnish research knowhow is a firm foundation for internationally competitive processes for converting these damaging emissions into something useful," says Marja Tiitta, Fortum's R&D Associate. Fortum's annual carbon dioxide emissions amount to 10,000 kilotonnes; some of this is utilised by the company.

This R & D work is funded by Tekes, VTT and Fortum. Work is being carried out not only in VTT but also at the University of Oulu and Helsinki University of Technology; utilisation of carbon dioxide demands a combination of an exceptionally wide range of expertise.

The economic viability of carbon dioxide capture and utilisation depends heavily on environmental legislation and political solutions. Limitations on emissions, emissions trade, possible environment taxes and on the other hand tax relief for environment-friendly products are crucial factors for the successful industrial utilisation of new methods.