Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS): A Pathway to Decarbonization

Why in the News?

In its commitment to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070, India has prioritized the development of Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. CCUS emerged as a key theme during COP28 (held in Dubai, 2023), signaling global recognition of its potential in mitigating climate change.

What is CCUS?

Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS) is a group of technological solutions that capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from large industrial sources like:

• Thermal power plants

• Cement and steel factories

• Oil refineries

Once captured, CO₂ is either:

• Stored underground in geological formations, or

• Utilized in producing commercially valuable products.

Thus, CCUS helps prevent CO₂ from entering the atmosphere while enabling a circular carbon economy.

Stages of CCUS Technology

1. Carbon Capture

This is the first step, involving the separation of CO₂ from gas emissions at the source. The method used depends on CO₂ concentration:

• Chemical Solvent-based Capture

  • Ideal for low-concentration CO₂ streams (e.g., natural gas processing).

  • Common solvents: Amine-based compounds.

• Physical Solvent Methods

  • Effective for high-concentration CO₂ streams (e.g., pre-combustion in industrial plants).

  • Uses solvents like Selexol or Rectisol.

• Adsorption Techniques

  • Suitable for moderate CO₂ concentrations, like in Steam Methane Reforming (SMR).

  • Uses solid materials like activated carbon or zeolites to trap CO₂.

2. Carbon Utilization

In this stage, the captured CO₂ is repurposed into products such as:

• Green urea (for fertilizers)

• Dry ice (used in cooling)

• Carbonated beverages

• Building materials (e.g., carbon-infused concrete)

• Industrial chemicals and biofuels

3. Carbon Storage

Unutilized CO₂ is injected deep underground for long-term isolation. Common storage sites include:

• Depleted oil and gas fields

• Deep saline aquifers

• Basalt formations and other secure geological layers

Potentials of CCUS for India

1. Direct Emission Reductions

   • CCUS captures CO₂ before it reaches the atmosphere, directly cutting emissions at the source.

2. Decarbonizing Industrial Sectors

   • Crucial for hard-to-abate sectors like cement, steel, and coal-powered industries, which contribute significantly to India’s emissions.

3. Production of Green Fuels

   • CO₂ can be converted into clean fuels like hydrogen, methane, and green ammonia, enabling energy transition.

4. Supports Renewable Energy Goals

   • CCUS complements solar and wind power, especially in sectors where renewable alternatives are not yet viable.

5. Climate Change Mitigation

   • Helps slow global warming by reducing greenhouse gas concentrations.

6. Job Creation

   • New opportunities arise in construction, engineering, R&D, operations, and supply chain management of CCUS facilities.

Challenges in CCUS Deployment

1. High Capital Costs

   • Significant investment is required for:

     • Capture units

     • CO₂ pipelines

     • Underground storage sites

2. Nascent Technology

   • Advanced forms like Direct Air Capture (DAC)—which captures CO₂ from ambient air—are still in the early stages and costly.

3. Limited Investment

   • Private sector interest is low due to uncertain returns, long gestation periods, and lack of policy clarity.

4. Infrastructure Bottlenecks

   • CO₂ needs dedicated pipelines for safe transport. Existing pipelines (designed for oil/gas) may not be compatible.

   • Impurities in CO₂ can cause pipeline corrosion.

5. Storage Site Identification

   • Suitable geological sites are:

     • Unevenly distributed

     • Often far from emission sources

     • Require detailed geotechnical studies

6. Regulatory and Legal Uncertainty

   • There is no comprehensive framework governing CO₂ capture, transportation, storage, and liability in India.

Way Forward

1. Launch of a National CCUS Mission

   • Focused on hard-to-abate sectors like power, cement, and steel.

   • Aim to scale up CCUS deployment with clear roadmaps and targets.

2. Incentivization Mechanisms

   • Provide Viability Gap Funding (VGF) to make CCUS projects financially viable.

   • Introduce Production-Linked Incentives (PLI) and carbon credits for industries using CCUS.

   • Offer tax credits/subsidies for early adopters.

3. Policy and Regulatory Support

   • Frame clear guidelines and safety standards for CO₂ capture, storage, and reuse.

   • Create monitoring and verification frameworks for long-term storage.

4. Investment in R&D

   • Support innovation to improve capture efficiency, cost reduction, and new utilization pathways.

   • Encourage collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

5. Capacity Building and Awareness

   • Train professionals and sensitize industries and the public on the importance and potential of CCUS.

Conclusion

Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS) represents a critical bridge technology that enables India to achieve its net-zero by 2070 goal, while supporting economic growth. Despite current challenges—costs, infrastructure, and regulation—the strategic importance of CCUS in decarbonizing heavy industries, creating green jobs, and ensuring energy security is immense. With the right policy push, technological innovation, and public-private collaboration, CCUS can become a cornerstone of India’s climate action strategy.