Fresh air or a hard road? Exploring predictors of public acceptance of Carbon Capture and Utilization infrastructure

Abstract

The urgency of mitigating global warming and the growing threat of natural disasters demand swift and decisive action. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) technologies have emerged as a solution to this challenge, capturing and converting carbon dioxide (CO₂₎ into products, rather than allowing it to be released into the atmosphere. We explore public perception and acceptance of CCU-based products, with a focus on jet fuel as a case study. Using conjoint analysis within an online survey (N = 1204), we evaluated how contextual factors—transport options, energy sources, and production settings—affect consumer preferences. Participants rated both the acceptability of CO₂-based jet fuel and the infrastructure required for its local and general production. The results suggest that preferences for the production conditions of CCU plants were driven more by energy supply and transport than by the type of plant manufacturing the final product in both local and general contexts. The acceptance of CCU plants and the production of CO₂-based jet fuel in both contexts were the strongest predictors of overall acceptance. However, the final CCU product itself, regardless of context, was the least influential factor in shaping public perception. This study provides insights into public perceptions of the production of CO₂-based jet fuel and identifies key factors influencing local and general acceptance. Our findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the societal dimensions of CCU adoption and complement efforts in technology development and regulatory frameworks necessary for technology integration.