The Union Government is finalizing the roadmap and financial outlay for the much-anticipated Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Mission, a critical initiative to reduce industrial carbon emissions, said Rajnath Ram, advisor for energy, natural resources, and environment at Niti Aayog. Speaking at the Third Energy Summit of the Indo-American Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi on August 26, Ram stated, “We are working on finalising the mission roadmap. Discussions are also ongoing to finalize the total outlay.”
CCUS is a transformative technology that captures carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial plants and power generation facilities before it enters the atmosphere. Captured CO2 can either be utilized to produce chemicals, building materials, synthetic fuels, or other industrial products, or permanently stored in geological formations such as depleted oil and gas reservoirs and saline aquifers. CCUS is regarded as a cornerstone of India’s net-zero and energy transition ambitions, enabling emissions reduction in sectors that are otherwise difficult to decarbonize, such as cement, steel, and refineries.
Experts emphasize that CCUS offers both environmental and economic advantages. Beyond reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it supports the development of a circular carbon economy by turning captured CO2 into commercially valuable products. Pilot projects are expected to be rolled out across key industrial clusters to validate technological, economic, and operational viability, paving the way for wider adoption in the coming years.
Ramnath Ram also highlighted India’s focus on natural gas as a low-carbon bridge fuel. With the government targeting a 15% share of gas in the overall energy mix by 2030, consumption is projected to rise two to three times, reaching an estimated 180–200 billion cubic metres. “If we want to achieve 15% of gas in our energy basket by 2030, consumption needs to increase substantially,” he said, emphasizing that assured long-term supply, domestic exploration, and cost-effective procurement are critical.
The strategy includes mapping domestic basins to maximize indigenous resources and reduce import dependence, alongside promoting domestic production of compressed biogas (CBG) and other renewable gas alternatives. Ram noted that scaling up CBG and similar initiatives is essential for meeting energy security goals while supporting the country’s carbon reduction targets.
The integration of CCUS with a growing natural gas infrastructure forms a central pillar of India’s energy transition. By deploying low-carbon technologies, expanding domestic energy resources, and securing global supply chains, India aims to balance industrial growth with climate commitments. CCUS adoption will also stimulate private sector investment, technology transfer, and green job creation, reinforcing the nation’s role in global decarbonization efforts.
As the government finalizes the CCUS Mission, stakeholders anticipate a phased rollout of pilot projects, policy incentives for industrial adoption, and strategic partnerships with international technology providers. Together with India’s gas expansion plans, CCUS is expected to play a pivotal role in achieving climate targets, enhancing energy security, and ensuring sustainable industrial growth.
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