Understanding initial opportunities and key challenges for CCUS deployment in India at scale

Abstract

India's CO2 emissions have risen at a compounded annual growth rate of 3.1% over the last three decades, primarily from an increase in consumption of fossil fuels . Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is considered one of the most effective strategies to counter these trends by reducing the carbon footprint of existing and upcoming infrastructure. Utilization of captured CO2 (CCU) to produce valuable green chemicals is an economically viable proposition. On the other hand, storage of CO2 (CCS) reduces the carbon footprint by sequestering the captured CO2 in geological formations, which in some cases, facilitates hydrocarbon recovery. This paper showcases how a multifaceted approach of combining CCU and CCS in an economically viable manner is a key factor in the maintaining of sustainable development. We discuss at a systems level, the benefits of the implementation of CCUS for India's energy security, positive path dependency, and resiliency. This is followed by a bottom-up review of the symbiotic relationship between the capture and utilization/storage. We provide an assessment of sustainable CCUS implementation by pairing state-of-the-art technologies in the field of carbon storage/utilization with possible future directions in India. We also suggest pathways for the potential and the impact of India's carbon-intensive sources in different CCUS chains such as markets for large-scale utilization of CO2 in emerging methanol economy. Finally, we provide research and policy recommendations that would facilitate a sustainable collaborative effort across sectors in mitigating the increasing carbon dioxide in the atmosphere.