Defossilisation: The Systems Philosophy Behind Carbon Recycling Technology (CRT)

Defossilisation: The Systems Philosophy Behind Carbon Recycling Technology (CRT) Summary Carbon Recycling Technology (CRT) is founded on a different objective from conventional decarbonisation or carbon utilisation pathways. Rather than focusing only on reducing emissions or converting CO₂ into another commercial product, CRT seeks to establish a circular carbon system in which carbon is repeatedly recycled as Renewable Synthetic Natural Gas (RSNG), progressively replacing newly extracted fossil natural gas. Why 'Defossilisation' Rather Than 'Decarbonisation'? Carbon is an essential element for life, fuels and industrial processes. The fundamental challenge is not carbon itself, but the continual transfer of geological (fossil) carbon into the active carbon cycle. Defossilisation therefore means progressively eliminating the need for continual fossil carbon extraction by recycling carbon already in circulation. Why RSNG is Central to CRT Captured CO and CO₂ can technically be converted into many products, including e-methanol, sustainable aviation fuels and other synthetic hydrocarbons. Those fuels are valuable and have important applications. However, when they are ultimately used as fuels, their carbon is released as CO₂ at the point of application. CRT deliberately places RSNG at the centre of the platform because it enables carbon to be recycled back into the existing natural gas energy system, displacing newly extracted fossil natural gas and supporting a continuous circular carbon loop. Renewable Energy is Fundamental CRT is not an alternative to renewable energy—it depends upon it. Renewable electricity is used to produce renewable hydrogen, which provides the energy required to recycle captured carbon into RSNG. In this way, renewable energy powers both the electricity system and the circular carbon system. Life-Cycle Perspective Large-scale deployment of renewable technologies such as solar PV is essential for the energy transition. However, manufacturing and constructing this infrastructure involves embodied carbon emissions from materials, transport and industrial processes. The long-term objective should therefore be to progressively defossilise not only electricity generation, but also the industrial supply chains that manufacture energy infrastructure. The Core Philosophy of CRT CRT does not seek to replace carbon; it seeks to replace fossil carbon. By integrating renewable electricity, renewable hydrogen, carbon capture and methanation into a single systems architecture, CRT aims to establish a circular carbon economy that progressively reduces dependence on geological carbon while complementing renewable energy deployment. Key Statement “The primary objective of Carbon Recycling Technology (CRT) is to establish a circular carbon system in which carbon is repeatedly recycled as Renewable Synthetic Natural Gas (RSNG), progressively replacing newly extracted fossil natural gas and ultimately eliminating the continual transfer of geological carbon into the active carbon cycle.”