As India works toward its climate goals while maintaining economic growth, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) is emerging as a promising solution to reduce carbon emissions from industries that are difficult to decarbonise. Experts say the technology could become a major pillar of India’s climate strategy if financial, technological and policy challenges are addressed.
Climate change driven by rising greenhouse gas emissions, continues to increase global temperatures, trigger extreme weather events and threaten ecosystems, public health and economies. India faces a unique challenge because it must reduce emissions while continuing to meet the energy and development needs of its growing population. Since sectors such as power generation, cement and steel remain heavily dependent on fossil fuels, CCUS offers a practical way to curb emissions without immediately replacing existing industrial infrastructure.
CCUS works by capturing carbon dioxide from industrial facilities or directly from the atmosphere before it reaches the air. The captured carbon can then be used in manufacturing processes or stored safely underground, helping reduce the overall carbon footprint of energy intensive industries.
Investment, Policy Support and Innovation Will Be Key
Experts recommend introducing CCUS in phases, beginning with retrofitting existing industrial plants using post combustion capture systems while incorporating advanced technologies into new facilities. Emerging methods such as Direct Air Capture also show promise, although they currently remain expensive and require further research before large scale deployment.
Industrial states including Maharashtra Gujarat and Tamil Nadu are considered suitable starting points because of their concentration of heavy industries. However large scale implementation will require substantial investment in carbon capture facilities, transport networks and underground storage infrastructure.
Government incentives, tax benefits, subsidies, carbon pricing mechanisms and public-private partnerships are expected to play a critical role in making CCUS commercially viable. International climate finance, technology transfer, green bonds and carbon credit markets could also help lower costs and accelerate adoption.
Beyond reducing emissions, CCUS has the potential to create new employment opportunities in engineering, manufacturing, construction and technical services while supporting the growth of industries that convert captured carbon into products such as synthetic fuels, chemicals and construction materials.
Researchers say that with continued investment in research, supportive regulations and coordinated efforts between governments, industries and international partners, CCUS could help India move closer to its net zero emissions target while strengthening economic growth and industrial competitiveness.