Decreasing the emission and efficient utilization (fixation) of carbon dioxide (CO2) are worldwide issues to prevent global warming. Promotion of the use of renewable energy is effective in reducing CO2 emissions. However, since there are large time-dependent fluctuations and large regional differences in renewable energy production, it is necessary to establish a fixation technology to allow efficient energy transportation and storage. Thus, there is increasing interest in technologies for synthesizing useful chemicals from CO2 using electricity derived from renewable energy. In particular, formic acid is attracting much attention as an energy (hydrogen) carrier because it is liquid and non-toxic at room temperature. Establishment of this technology will contribute to the efficient transportation and storage of renewable energy and to the fixation of CO2, and allow energy storage with high environmental compatibility to be achieved.
