Copyright infringement not intended

Picture Courtesy:  THE HINDU

Context

A recent study in Nature (2025) revealed that the global capacity for geological carbon storage is significantly lower than previously estimated, at 1,460 billion tonnes of CO2, compared to earlier projections of 11,800 billion tonnes. This finding limits the potential of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) to reverse global warming by only 0.7°C, emphasizing the need for faster emission cuts.

What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?

CCS is a technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial processes or power plants, transports it, and stores it underground to prevent it from entering the atmosphere. 

It aims to mitigate climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key Mechanisms of CCS

Capture: CO2 is separated from other gases at emission sources like power plants or industries using technologies like post-combustion, pre-combustion, or oxy-fuel combustion.

Transport: Captured CO2 is compressed and moved, usually via pipelines, to storage sites.

Storage: CO2 is injected into deep geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or saline aquifers, for long-term sequestration.

Types of CCS

Point-Source CCS: Captures CO2 directly from industrial sources like cement or steel plants.

Direct Air Capture (DAC): Removes CO2 from the atmosphere, though it is costlier ($385-$530/tonne). (World Resources Institute)

Applications

Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Injecting CO2 into oil fields to boost production while storing CO2.

Mineralization: Converting CO2 into stable carbonates for construction materials.

Synthetic Fuels: Combining CO2 with hydrogen to produce low-carbon fuels.

Other Uses: Supplying CO2 for greenhouses, dry ice production, or chemical manufacturing.

Importance of CCS for India

Decarbonizing Heavy Industries: Sectors like steel, cement, and chemicals depend on fossil fuels for energy. CCS can reduce emissions from these sources.

Sustaining Existing Infrastructure: India’s young coal-based power plants (less than 15 years old) face early retirement costs without CCS, which allows continued operation with reduced emissions.

Promoting Low-Carbon Industries: CCS enables coal gasification for clean chemicals and supports the hydrogen economy, leveraging India’s coal reserves.

Direct Air Capture (DAC): Though costly, DAC offers long-term potential to remove atmospheric CO2.

Challenges in Implementing CCS in India

Limited Storage Capacity

India’s storage capacity is a fraction of global needs, and the Nature study (2025) warns of overestimating safe storage sites. Areas near earthquake zones or biodiversity hotspots are unsuitable, reducing viable options.

High Costs

Capture costs range from $385-$530/tonne, making investment less attractive.

Policy Gaps

India lacks a national CCS strategy, specific CO2 storage regulations, and carbon pricing mechanisms. CCS is not included in India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs).  

Technical Risks

Variations in CO2 stream quality, geological uncertainties, and lack of monitoring systems increase risks of leakage or project failure.

Environmental Concerns

Critics argue CCS may extend fossil fuel use, delaying renewable energy adoption. Potential CO2 leaks could harm groundwater or marine ecosystems.  

Way Forward for India

Develop a National CCS Strategy

Integrate CCS into India’s NDCs with clear targets, as recommended by NITI Aayog. A phased “hubs and clusters” model can link emitters with shared infrastructure to reduce costs.

Strengthen Policy Frameworks

Enact CCS-specific legislation, amending laws like the Oilfields Act (1948) to regulate CO2 storage. Establish carbon pricing through a formal emissions trading system and offer tax credits or subsidies.

Enhance Storage Mapping

Conduct detailed source-sink mapping and geological assessments, inspired by the US’s Regional Carbon Sequestration Partnerships, to validate India’s capacity.  

Invest in R&D

Support innovation through National Centres of Excellence (e.g., IITs) and international collaborations like Mission Innovation to develop cost-effective capture technologies like DAC or microalgae-based systems.

Promote Green Procurement: Set low-carbon cement and steel standards and leverage India’s public procurement GDP share to create demand for CCS-enabled products.  

Balance CCS with Renewables

Accelerate renewable energy investments to reduce coal reliance while using CCS for young coal plants to avoid economic losses.  

International Collaboration

India can leverage World Bank Funds (Clean Technology Fund, International Finance Corporation), the Green Climate Fund, and International Carbon Markets (Article 6 of the Paris Agreement).

Learn from Global Best Practices

Countries like the EU (Net-Zero Industry Act), UK (Net Zero Strategy), and US (45Q tax credit) offer lessons for India to strengthen its CCS framework.  

Robust Monitoring

Develop Monitoring, Verification, and Accounting (MVA) frameworks to ensure safe storage and enable carbon credit trading, addressing leakage risks.  

Conclusion

The Nature study (2025) stresses that CCS is not a silver bullet, with global storage limited to 1,460 billion tonnes. While CCS is vital for decarbonizing India’s industries and sustaining its coal-based infrastructure, high costs, limited storage, and policy gaps pose challenges. By adopting a national CCS strategy, strengthening regulations, and investing in R&D, India can leverage CCS to meet its 45% emissions intensity reduction target by 2030 while transitioning to renewables.  

Source: THE HINDU