Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) is gaining attention due to its potential role in helping India meet its climate targets, especially as the country aims for net-zero emissions by 2070. Recent policy initiatives and pilot projects in the industrial sector underscore CCU's relevance in reducing greenhouse gas emissions from hard-to-abate industries like cement and steel.
CCU is pertinent for UPSC aspirants, linking to both Prelims and Mains. In Prelims, aspirants may encounter questions on key terms and recent initiatives related to CCU. For Mains, it falls under GS Paper III, focusing on environmental issues and sustainable development. Understanding CCU helps aspirants grasp the interplay between technology and climate policy.
Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) refers to technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions and convert them into valuable products rather than storing them underground. This process not only mitigates climate change by reducing emissions but also fosters a circular economy by turning waste into useful inputs. CCU is distinct from carbon capture and storage (CCS), which solely focuses on permanent storage.
In the Prelims, candidates may face questions on definitions, recent initiatives, and the role of CCU in climate strategies. Conversely, Mains questions may explore the technological, economic, and environmental implications of CCU, requiring a deeper analysis of its benefits and challenges in the Indian context.
The deployment of CCU can significantly reduce carbon emissions from industries that are otherwise difficult to decarbonise. By capturing and repurposing CO₂, CCU helps mitigate the impact of industrial processes on climate change. However, the transition to CCU also faces challenges such as high operational costs and the need for significant infrastructural investments. These factors highlight the necessity for comprehensive policy support to drive innovation and market demand for CCU technologies.
To advance CCU in India, it is essential to create a favorable policy environment that includes financial incentives and regulatory clarity. Investments in infrastructure and technology development can facilitate the integration of CCU into existing industrial processes. Emphasizing sustainability and resilience in industrial practices will be vital for achieving long-term climate and economic goals.
Q1. What is Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?
Answer: CCU involves capturing carbon dioxide from industrial processes and converting it into useful products, contributing to emission reductions and promoting a circular economy.
Q2. Why is CCU important for India?
Answer: As the third-largest emitter of CO₂, CCU is critical for India to reduce emissions from hard-to-abate sectors and achieve its net-zero target by 2070.
Q3. How does CCU differ from carbon capture and storage (CCS)?
Answer: While CCS focuses on permanently storing captured CO₂ underground, CCU repurposes it into valuable products, thus integrating it back into the economy.
Q4. What challenges does India face in implementing CCU?
Answer: Key challenges include high costs of technology, infrastructural gaps, and regulatory uncertainties that hinder investment and demand for CCU solutions.
Q5. What role does government policy play in advancing CCU?
Answer: Effective government policies provide necessary financial incentives and regulatory frameworks that encourage investment in CCU technologies and infrastructure development.
Question 1: What is the primary aim of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?
A) To store CO₂ underground permanently
B) To convert CO₂ into useful products
C) To reduce renewable energy dependence
D) To eliminate industrial emissions
Correct Answer: B
Question 2: Which sector is NOT a major contributor to CO₂ emissions in India?
A) Cement
B) Agriculture
C) Steel
D) Power generation
Correct Answer: B
Question 3: What is a significant challenge for CCU implementation in India?
A) Abundant renewable energy sources
B) Cost competitiveness of CCU products
C) Overregulation of industries
D) Lack of public interest in sustainability
Correct Answer: B
Question 4: Which ministry in India has developed a CCU roadmap?
A) Ministry of Environment
B) Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas
C) Ministry of Science and Technology
D) Ministry of Heavy Industries
Correct Answer: B
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