If we assume that all energy comes from carbon atoms the real challenge is how to dismantle carbon atoms at the subatomic level. Therefore one would assume that STM's( Scanning Tunneling Microscopes) and more advanced tools may be able in conjunction with biochemical means be able to manipulate or to cause carbon atoms at atomic level to have different properties at the atomic versus subatomic level. no one reads this but it is a hobby of mine.
mikeylion:
should have clarified fossil fuel based energy with coal having highest co2 content