In News

• India launched its first cluster of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds for the cement sector.

About Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)

• Definition: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) refers to a set of technologies that involve capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources like power plants and industrial facilities and then converting them into useful products.
• Process: The first step involves separating CO2 from other gases emitted by industrial processes or even directly from the atmosphere (Direct Air Capture – DAC). Various technologies like solvent absorption, membrane separation, and adsorption are used for this purpose.
• Examples of CO2 Utilisation: Injecting CO2 into oil reservoirs to increase oil extraction, CO2 can be combined with hydrogen to create synthetic fuels like methanol, ethanol or captured CO2 can be used to produce concrete, cement alternatives, and other construction materials. 

Significance of the Initiative

• Decarbonising Hard-to-Abate Sectors: Cement, steel, power, oil & gas, and fertilizer industries contribute significantly to India’s industrial CO2 emissions. CCU offers a scalable pathway to reduce emissions while maintaining economic growth.
• Fulfilling Climate Commitments: The initiative supports India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement and aligns with long-term Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS).
• Public-Private-Academia Synergy: A unique PPP model brings together academia, industry, and government to deploy translational R&D.
• Green Cement Production: Focused innovation may reduce the cost of green cement, enabling wider market adoption and decarbonisation of construction.
• Circular Economy: CCU promotes a circular approach by turning a waste product (CO2) into a valuable resource, reducing reliance on fossil-based feedstocks.

Source: DTE