re: Link not responding
I just tested the link and works for me.
"if you have an energy source that can effect the reduction of CO2 to CO, why wouldn't you use it as a DIRECT energy source?"
I think it's more from point view of using a waste product as a resource. Instead of spending money storing CO2, you convert CO2 into a product you can sell- such as gasoline or Methane.
But yes, obviously it will cost more energy- if coal sold for same cost per it's energy content as gasoline and methane, then it wouldn't make any sense.