Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) has recently emerged as a primary topic of discussion among academia and research experts. They have stressed the need for both government and industry investment in this technology, championing its significant role to meet India’s net-zero targets efficiently.
Understanding Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
CCUS is primarily a collection of technologies intended to mitigate carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions produced by large-scale point sources, such as power plants, industrial facilities, and refineries. The method aims at preventing CO2 from being released into the atmosphere, serving as a crucial strategy in curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
CCUS process comprises three major steps. Firstly, capture refers to seizing CO2 emissions at their source prior to their release into the environment. Secondly, transport encompasses moving the captured and compressed CO2 via ship or pipeline from capture point to storage site. Lastly, storage involves preserving the transported CO2 in underground geological formations including exhausted oil and gas fields or deep saltwater aquifers. Additionally, the captured CO2 can be used in several industrial processes, thus promoting utilization instead of release.
The Significance of CCUS
Reports by NITI Aayog and IPCC assert the strategic importance of CCUS in decarbonization efforts, especially for those sectors hard-to-abate such as steel, cement, and petrochemicals. Moreover, integrating CCUS into the energy mix significantly bolsters energy security by facilitating low-carbon electricity and hydrogen production.
CCUS can offer considerable benefits to industrial sectors, from enhancing the strength and durability of concrete mixtures through carbonation to providing a source of CO2 for synthetic gas production necessary for bio-jet fuel, aligning with sustainable aviation fuel initiatives. Moreover, CCUS may pose as a cost-effective solution by allowing industries to continue using their existing infrastructure, thus minimizing the need for enormous capital investments in new, low-carbon alternatives.
Challenges Associated with CCUS Implementation
Despite its numerous advantages, CCUS implementation is laden with several challenges. This includes high initial costs arising from significant infrastructure development, technological immaturity of CCUS technology, competition with renewable energy technologies and ambiguity in regulatory frameworks. Furthermore, the economic viability of CCUS projects is influenced by various factors such as carbon price, government incentives, and funding availability.
The Way Forward
To overcome these hurdles, it is crucial to extend policy and regulatory support to CCUS projects along with provision of financial incentives. Establishing clear regulatory frameworks can address issues related to liability, long-term responsibilities, and environmental standards. Similarly, providing financial incentives can encourage private-sector investments in CCUS projects.
Moreover, substantial investment in infrastructure development for CCUS, including pipelines for CO2 transport and suitable storage sites, is necessary. Investing in education and training programs can help bridge the knowledge and skill gaps in CCUS technology. Therefore, nurturing a skilled workforce is a pivotal aspect for successful deployment and operation of CCUS projects.
Carbon Credits and the Clean Development Mechanisms
Given the aforementioned potential of CCUS, and considering the massive slide in the value of a carbon credit, one may question the relevance of pursuing carbon credits and clean development mechanisms set under the UNFCCC in light of India’s energy requirements for economic growth. This topic invites further discussion and research to ascertain the most feasible approach towards achieving net-zero emissions.
