The escalating consequences of climate change have compelled nations to take urgent action to reduce carbon emissions. As a result, a global race has begun to decarbonise economies through innovative solutions such as expanding renewable energy capacity and adopting clean fuel vehicles. In this context, Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) method has emerged as a promising solution for managing CO2 emissions. For developing nations like India, where the economy remains heavily reliant on fossil fuels, this method could prove transformational. It offers the opportunity to sustain economic growth while limiting additional carbon emissions.
Supporting Emissions Control from Thermal Power Plants
While India is actively increasing its renewable energy capacity, coal remains the primary source of electricity generation. With energy demand projected to grow by 35% by 2035, retiring existing coal-fired power plants in the near term is not feasible. CCUS provides a practical solution, enabling the continued use of existing infrastructure while capturing and storing emissions. Globally CCUS has already been deployed across power generation assets to extend their viability while reducing environmental impact. This experience offers a valuable blueprint for countries like India to adopt proven technologies tailored to local challenges.
Decarbonising Heavy Industries
India’s industrial sector is vital to achieving its climate targets, including National Determined Contributions (NDCs). Industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals are among the largest CO2 emitters and face limited decarbonisation options due to process-driven energy needs. CCUS, can offer a pathway to reduce industrial emissions without compromising productivity and international competitiveness. Globally industrial sectors have begun integrating CCUS into core operations, benefiting from partnerships with engineering and technology leaders who bring decades of experience in deploying advanced emissions control solutions. India stands to benefit from such international collaboration to accelerate adoption and local innovation.
Strengthening Carbon Markets and Economic Viability
Carbon markets are emerging as critical enablers for emissions reduction. Integrating CCUS into these frameworks can help industries offset their emissions and monetise reductions through carbon credits. India is developing a national carbon market that will open new opportunities for investment and innovation. Lessons from established markets, where engineering firms and infrastructure providers have helped integrate CCUS into trading mechanisms can inform the development of robust, scalable models. Such experience also underscores the importance of third-party validation and lifecycle assessment in maintaining integrity and investor confidence.
Integrating CCUS into Industrial Waste Management
Managing industrial waste is a growing challenge for India’s sustainability goals. CCUS can be integrated into waste management strategies by capturing CO2 emissions from waste-to-energy plants and industrial waste processing facilities. This approach not only reduces greenhouse gas emissions but also enhances the efficiency of recycling processes. Captured carbon can be transformed into valuable products such as synthetic fuels or building materials, adding economic value while contributing to emission reduction targets. Strengthening waste management through CCUS provides an innovative pathway to achieving sustainability while addressing industrial pollution concerns.
Way Forward
For CCUS to play a significant role in India’s net-zero strategy, strong policy frameworks, financial incentives, and technological advancements must align to drive large-scale adoption. Public-private partnerships can attract much-needed investments in infrastructure, ensuring a robust ecosystem for CCUS deployment. Similarly, collaborative efforts among government bodies, research institutions, and industries can accelerate the development of cost-effective carbon capture solutions while fostering indigenous innovation. Companies with deep domain expertise – such as John Crane, which has supported CCUS deployment across sectors including power generation, refining, and hard-to-abate industries – can offer valuable engineering insight and operational experience. Drawing from projects in North America, Europe, and the Middle East, John Crane has contributed to the design and integration of emissions-reduction technologies in some of the world’s most complex energy systems.
Establishing dedicated funding mechanisms and integrating CCUS into long-term industrial policies can help overcome financial and technological barriers. By combining international experience with local innovation, India can create a robust, scalable CCUS ecosystem that aligns with its climate and economic goals
Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage is not a standalone solution, but it is a vital component of the broader decarbonisation strategy. While renewable energy remains the long-term solution, while CCUS serves as a bridge to a low-carbon future by mitigating emissions from existing fossil fuel infrastructure. India’s effort to balance economic growth with sustainability requires the integration of CCUS into its climate action plans, ensuring a smoother transition towards a net-zero future. With the right policy support, international collaboration, and technical expertise drawn from global experience, India can leverage CCUS to reshape its energy and industrial future, and contribute significantly to global climate goals.
