26 Feb 2026·Source: The Hindu

4 min

Environment & EcologyScience & TechnologyEconomyEXPLAINED

Carbon Capture and Utilisation Technologies: Reducing Emissions and Scaling Up

Q: What are the potential downsides or criticisms of relying heavily on CCUS?

While CCUS offers promise, some concerns include: * Cost: CCUS technologies can be expensive to implement. * Energy Intensive: The capture and conversion processes themselves require energy, potentially offsetting some of the emissions reductions. * Storage Risks: Long-term storage of CO2 underground carries potential risks of leakage. * Distraction: Over-reliance on CCUS might distract from developing truly sustainable alternatives like renewable energy. Exam tip: When a question asks 'critically examine,' always present both the pros and cons.

Exploring carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) technologies for reducing carbon emissions.

Background Context

CCU technologies aim to mitigate carbon emissions by capturing CO2 from industrial sources or directly from the air.

Captured CO2 is then converted into various products, including fuels, chemicals, building materials, and polymers.

This process not only reduces atmospheric CO2 but also creates economic value by utilizing the captured carbon as a resource.

Why It Matters Now

Understanding CCU is crucial as India, the world’s third-largest CO2 emitter, seeks to reduce its carbon footprint. CCU aligns with India's net-zero target for 2070 and its push for a circular, low-carbon economy. Government initiatives, such as research funding and the draft 2030 roadmap for Carbon Utilisation and Storage (CCUS), highlight the importance of CCU in India's climate strategy.

Key Takeaways

•CCU captures CO2 emissions and converts them into useful products.
•India is the world’s third-largest emitter of CO2.
•CCU supports India's net-zero target for 2070.
•Government initiatives and private sector projects are promoting CCU in India.
•Cost competitiveness and infrastructure readiness are key challenges for scaling CCU.
•The EU supports CCU as part of its Bioeconomy Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan.
•Clear standards and market signals are needed to encourage investment in CCU.

Different Perspectives

•Some view CCU as a viable solution for reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors.
•Others argue that CCU may not be as effective as other mitigation strategies, such as renewable energy.
•Concerns exist about the energy intensity and cost of capturing and converting CO2.

Related Concepts

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)Circular Economy Net-Zero Emissions Sustainable Development

The Union Budget 2026 has allocated ₹20,000 crore to scale up Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies over the next five years. CCUS technologies aim to reduce atmospheric carbon dioxide emissions by either storing or reusing captured CO2. NITI Aayog, in a 2022 report, stated that CCUS has a critical role in halving CO2 emissions by 2050 and achieving net-zero by 2070, even with substantial greening of the grid. Globally, in 2023, there were 40 operational CCS projects capturing more than 45 metric tonnes (Mt) of CO2 annually, while China's annual emissions in 2021 alone stood at 12,466.32 Mt. India is the world’s third-largest CO₂ emitter, with major emissions coming from power generation, cement, steel, and chemical industries. The Department of Science and Technology has developed a dedicated R&D roadmap for CCU. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has released a draft 2030 CCUS roadmap identifying potential projects.

This investment and focus on CCUS technologies is crucial for India to meet its climate goals and transition to a low-carbon economy, particularly in hard-to-abate sectors. This topic is relevant to UPSC exams, specifically in the Environment and Ecology section of GS Paper III.

Key Facts

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) captures CO2 emissions and converts them into useful products.

India has been the world’s third-largest emitter of CO2.

The Department of Science and Technology is funding CCU research.

The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas has presented a draft 2030 roadmap for Carbon Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).

Ambuja Cements is working on a CCU pilot project with IIT Bombay.

Organic Recycling Systems Limited (ORSL) is leading India’s first pilot-scale Bio-CCU platform.

UPSC Exam Angles

GS Paper III (Environment and Ecology): CCUS technologies, their applications, and impact on climate change mitigation.

GS Paper III (Economy): Economic viability and scalability of CCUS projects.

GS Paper II (Government Policies and Interventions): Government policies and initiatives to promote CCUS.

In Simple Words

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) is like a system that grabs carbon dioxide (CO2) from factories or the air and turns it into useful stuff. Instead of just letting CO2 pollute, it's recycled into things like fuels or building materials. India is working on these technologies to reduce its CO2 emissions.

India Angle

In India, where industries like cement and steel produce a lot of CO2, CCU can help reduce pollution. This could lead to cleaner air in cities and a more sustainable environment for everyone, from farmers to shopkeepers.

For Instance

Think of CCU like converting waste plastic into usable roads. Instead of the plastic polluting the environment, it's used to create something beneficial. Similarly, CCU converts CO2 into valuable products.

CCU matters because it can help reduce pollution and create a cleaner environment for future generations. It also supports India's efforts to combat climate change.

Capture, convert, and utilise: Turning pollution into solutions.

Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) refers to technologies that capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources or directly from the air and convert them into useful products. India has been the world’s third-largest emitter of CO2. India has begun supporting CCU through research funding from the Department of Science and Technology.

The draft 2030 roadmap for Carbon Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) presented by the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural gas has identified projects that can be used for CCUS purposes. The EU Bioeconomy Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan explicitly supports CCU. The foremost risk in scaling CCU in India is cost competitiveness.

Capturing, purifying, and converting CO2 is energy-intensive and expensive.

Expert Analysis

The recent push for Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) in India highlights the importance of innovative approaches to tackle climate change. To fully understand this development, several key concepts need to be examined.

First, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) refers to a set of technologies designed to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources or directly from the atmosphere. Instead of releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, CCUS aims to transform it into commercially valuable products or store it permanently underground. The Department of Science and Technology, Government of India, defines CCUS as a program that aims to reduce carbon emissions by either storing or reusing captured carbon dioxide. This is directly relevant to the ₹20,000 crore allocation in the Union Budget 2026, which seeks to scale up these technologies over the next five years.

Second, the concept of Net-Zero Emissions is central to the discussion around CCUS. Net-zero means that the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions is reduced to the extent that it can be neutralized by absorption, either naturally or through artificial removal measures, resulting in zero total emissions. NITI Aayog's 2022 report emphasizes that CCUS has a critical role to play for India to halve CO2 emissions by 2050 and accomplish net-zero by 2070. This target drives the need for technologies like CCUS to mitigate emissions from hard-to-abate sectors.

Third, the idea of a Circular Economy is closely linked to CCU. Unlike Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS), which stores CO₂ underground permanently, CCU reuses the captured carbon within the economy, turning emissions into productive inputs instead of waste. The EU's Bioeconomy Strategy and Circular Economy Action Plan promote CCU as a tool to convert CO₂ into fuels, chemicals, and materials, supporting sustainability and circularity goals. In India, this is reflected in projects like those by Ambuja Cements, JK Cement and Organic Recycling Systems Limited (ORSL) which are piloting technologies to convert captured CO₂ into fuels, materials, and chemicals.

For UPSC aspirants, understanding these concepts is crucial for both prelims and mains. Questions may arise on the different types of CCUS technologies, their applications, and their role in achieving India's climate targets. Furthermore, the economic and environmental implications of CCUS, as well as the challenges in scaling up these technologies, are important areas to focus on.

Visual Insights

Key Statistics on Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)

Highlights key statistics related to CCU technologies in India, including government funding and emission reduction targets.

CCUS Technologies Outlay: ₹20,000 crore
India's Net-Zero Target: 2070

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What's the most likely trap UPSC will set in Prelims regarding CCUS?

UPSC might try to confuse you by presenting CCU (Carbon Capture and Utilisation) and CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) as the same thing. They are related but distinct. CCU focuses on converting captured CO2 into valuable products, while CCS is about long-term storage.

Exam Tip

Remember: 'Utilisation' means using the CO2, 'Storage' means burying it. If a question implies they are interchangeable, that's likely the wrong answer.

2. Why is India focusing on CCUS now, given that it's been a known technology for a while?

Several factors are converging: * India's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2070 requires aggressive decarbonization strategies. * CCUS is seen as crucial for decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors like steel, cement, and power generation. * The Union Budget 2026 allocation of ₹20,000 crore signals serious government commitment and provides financial impetus.

Exam Tip

Remember the 2070 net-zero target. It's a key driver for many environment-related policies.

3. How does CCUS relate to the idea of a 'circular economy'?

CCUS aligns with the circular economy concept by viewing CO2 not as a waste product but as a potential resource. Instead of simply releasing CO2 into the atmosphere, CCUS aims to capture it and convert it into valuable products like fuels, chemicals, and building materials, thus closing the loop.

Exam Tip

Think of 'circular economy' as reducing waste and reusing resources. CCUS fits this model perfectly.

4. What are the potential downsides or criticisms of relying heavily on CCUS?

While CCUS offers promise, some concerns include: * Cost: CCUS technologies can be expensive to implement. * Energy Intensive: The capture and conversion processes themselves require energy, potentially offsetting some of the emissions reductions. * Storage Risks: Long-term storage of CO2 underground carries potential risks of leakage. * Distraction: Over-reliance on CCUS might distract from developing truly sustainable alternatives like renewable energy.

Exam Tip

When a question asks 'critically examine,' always present both the pros and cons.

5. How might the Department of Science and Technology's (DST) roadmap for CCUS impact India's climate goals?

The DST's roadmap aims to accelerate CCUS deployment across key sectors. If successful, this could significantly contribute to India's goal of halving CO2 emissions by 2050 and achieving net-zero by 2070. The roadmap emphasizes coordinated action, supportive policies, and infrastructure development, all crucial for large-scale CCUS adoption.

Exam Tip

Remember the key players: DST, NITI Aayog, and specific companies like Ambuja Cements. Knowing who is doing what is crucial.

6. Given that China's emissions are so high, is India's investment in CCUS going to make a real difference globally?

While China's emissions are substantial, India's CCUS efforts are still important for several reasons: * Domestic Impact: CCUS can help decarbonize India's own industries, reducing its carbon footprint. * Technology Leadership: Investing in CCUS can position India as a leader in this technology, potentially exporting expertise and solutions to other developing countries. * Global Contribution: Every reduction in emissions, no matter how small relative to global totals, contributes to mitigating climate change.

Exam Tip

Avoid getting bogged down in comparisons with other countries' emissions. Focus on the benefits for India itself.

Practice Questions (MCQs)

1. Consider the following statements regarding Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies: 1. CCUS aims to reduce carbon emissions by either storing or reusing captured carbon dioxide. 2. CCUS technologies are only applicable to new industrial plants and cannot be retrofitted to existing facilities. 3. NITI Aayog has stated that CCUS has a critical role to play for India to halve CO2 emissions by 2050 and accomplish net-zero by 2070. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A.1 and 2 only
B.1 and 3 only
C.2 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: B

Statement 1 is CORRECT: CCUS technologies aim to reduce carbon emissions by either storing or reusing captured carbon dioxide. Statement 2 is INCORRECT: CCUS technologies can be retrofitted to existing industrial plants, extending the life of assets without needing a total shutdown. Statement 3 is CORRECT: NITI Aayog has stated that CCUS has a critical role to play for India to halve CO2 emissions by 2050 and accomplish net-zero by 2070.

2. Which of the following statements best describes the concept of a 'Circular Economy' in the context of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?

A.Storing captured CO2 underground permanently to prevent it from entering the atmosphere.
B.Converting captured CO2 into commercially valuable products and reusing it within the economy.
C.Reducing carbon emissions by transitioning to renewable energy sources.
D.Offsetting carbon emissions by planting trees and promoting afforestation.

Show Answer

Answer: B

The concept of a 'Circular Economy' in the context of CCU involves converting captured CO2 into commercially valuable products and reusing it within the economy, turning emissions into productive inputs instead of waste. This approach promotes sustainability and resource efficiency.

3. Consider the following initiatives related to Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) in India: 1. Department of Science and Technology's R&D roadmap for CCUS. 2. Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas' draft 2030 CCUS roadmap. 3. Ambuja Cements' pilot project to convert captured CO₂ into fuels and materials. Which of the above initiatives are correctly matched with their respective organizations/companies?

A.1 and 2 only
B.2 and 3 only
C.1 and 3 only
D.1, 2 and 3

Show Answer

Answer: D

All the initiatives are correctly matched with their respective organizations/companies: 1. Department of Science and Technology has developed a dedicated R&D roadmap for CCU. 2. The Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has released a draft 2030 CCUS roadmap identifying potential projects. 3. Ambuja Cements is piloting technology to convert captured CO₂ into fuels and materials.