Bridging Engineering and Business: Emilia Tognetty's Vision for CO2 Sequestration

Emilia Tognetty, a Master of Science in Technology candidate, is pioneering a vital research area in her master's thesis: the commercial utilization of industrial carbon dioxide (CO2). This topic holds significant importance in the context of the green transition and achieving carbon neutrality goals. Tognetty’s research is not just a scientific endeavor; it represents a crucial intersection of chemical engineering and business innovation.

The challenge lies in harnessing CO2, a major contributor to climate change, for beneficial uses. Despite various pilot projects, the development of large-scale commercial applications for CO2 sequestration and utilization remains limited. Key hurdles include the lack of a comprehensive regulatory framework within the EU, inadequate infrastructure, and insufficient incentives.

Tognetty highlights a critical gap in the market: the underdeveloped marketing of CO2 sequestration. Successful implementation requires multi-sector collaboration, including political decision-makers, research institutes, and companies. She underscores the urgency of action, emphasizing that waiting is no longer an option.

The potential applications of sequestered CO2 are diverse, ranging from its use in products like methanol, polymers, and concrete to long-term storage underground or in seabeds. While countries like Norway explore sea-bottom storage, Finland's geography necessitates alternative approaches. Ensuring these solutions are viable demands a stable operating environment fostered by market mechanisms, innovation, and inter-industry cooperation.

Tognetty’s research is particularly relevant in industrial sectors like steel production, where CO2 emissions are hard to avoid. By integrating CO2 sequestration into these processes, the industry's contribution to atmospheric greenhouse gases can be significantly reduced.

Her thesis is part of a collaborative project involving three companies and three universities. Tognetty's partners include AFRY and Aalto University, with additional support from Metsä Group, the University of Helsinki, St1, and LUT University. These collaborations enhance the project's scope, covering regulatory aspects and the carbon footprint of CO2 sequestration and utilization.

Completing her studies in the International Design Business Management (IDMB) program, Tognetty sees chemical engineering as a field brimming with potential. Her journey began with an interest sparked during a school visit and continued through active involvement in student guild activities. This thesis offers a chance to contribute to a technology pivotal in combating climate change and shaping global energy development.

Tognetty's blend of technological expertise and business acumen positions her to tackle complex challenges and envision comprehensive solutions. Her work on CO2 sequestration exemplifies the innovative spirit needed to drive change and modernize practices in the fight against climate change.