Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in India: An Overview

Understanding Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in India

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a pivotal technology aimed at mitigating the release of carbon dioxide (CO2) into the atmosphere. This process is particularly critical for industries that are major contributors to CO2 emissions. CCS encompasses three primary phases: capture, transport, and long-term storage of CO2.

Why India Needs CCS

• Coal Reliance:
  • India stands as the second-largest consumer of coal globally, following China.
  • As of 2021, coal was responsible for approximately 70% of India's electricity generation.
  • Implementing CCS enables the continued use of coal while significantly lowering emissions.
• Hard-to-Abate Industries:
  • Industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals represent major emission sources.
  • These sectors are challenging to decarbonize purely through electrification.
  • CCS presents a viable solution for substantial emission reductions in these industries.
• Climate Goals:
  • India has committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
  • Additionally, the country aims for a 45% reduction in carbon intensity by 2030 based on 2005 levels.
  • CCS is recognized as a crucial technology in fulfilling these ambitious climate objectives.

How CCS Works

• Capture:
  • Post-combustion: CO2 is separated from flue gases after fuel combustion.
  • Pre-combustion: Carbon is extracted from fuel prior to combustion.
  • Oxyfuel combustion: Combustion occurs using pure oxygen, resulting in a concentrated CO2 stream.
• Transport:
  • Transporting CO2 is typically accomplished through pipelines, akin to natural gas transit.
  • For offshore storage, ships can be utilized for transportation.
• Storage:
  • CO2 can be geologically stored in deep saline aquifers or depleted oil and gas reservoirs.
  • Injection occurs in a supercritical state, behaving like both a liquid and a gas.
  • Monitoring systems are in place to ensure that the CO2 remains trapped effectively over time.

India's CCS Potential

• Good Storage Sites:
  • The Deccan Traps provide promising storage opportunities in basalt formations.
  • Depleted oil and gas fields in the Krishna-Godavari and Cambay basins are also viable.
  • Various sedimentary basins across India contain deep saline aquifers for storage.
• Pilot Projects:
  • ONGC has launched a pilot CCS project at its Ankleshwar oil field in Gujarat.
  • The National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) is also initiating a pilot at its coal power plant in Vindhyachal.

Challenges to Overcome

• Cost: The current cost of implementing CCS in India is estimated between $40-60 per ton of CO2. Significant reductions in this cost are necessary for broader adoption.
• Policy: A comprehensive CCS policy framework is currently absent in India. Establishing clear regulations on CO2 storage and liability is essential, along with financial incentives like carbon pricing.
• Public Awareness: There is a lack of understanding about CCS technology among the general public, necessitating outreach and education initiatives.
• Technical Challenges: Adapting CCS to India's diverse coal types and industrial practices, along with developing a CO2 transport infrastructure, poses additional challenges.

The Future of CCS in India

The National Mission on Clean Coal Technologies emphasizes CCS as a critical area of focus. Collaborations with nations like Norway and Japan are facilitating the transfer of CCS expertise. Moreover, integrating CCS with other technologies, such as bioenergy with CCS (BECCS), may provide avenues for achieving negative emissions. As costs decrease and policies progress, CCS could emerge as a significant component of India's climate strategy, with the potential to capture millions of tons of CO2 annually by 2050.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?
Answer: CCS is a technology that prevents CO2 emissions by capturing it from sources like industrial facilities, transporting it, and storing it underground to mitigate climate change impacts.

Q2. Why is CCS important for India?
Answer: CCS is crucial for India to reduce emissions from coal and hard-to-abate industries, helping the country meet its climate goals, including net-zero emissions by 2070.

Q3. What are the main steps in the CCS process?
Answer: The CCS process involves three key steps: capturing CO2 from emissions, transporting it to storage sites, and securely storing it in geological formations.