Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology designed to reduce carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial processes and power generation by capturing CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere and storing it underground.
Key Steps in CCS
- Capture: CO₂ is separated from industrial sources like power plants, cement factories, and steel plants. This can be done through:
- Post-combustion capture (removing CO₂ after burning fuel)
- Pre-combustion capture (removing CO₂ before fuel combustion)
- Oxy-fuel combustion (burning fuel in pure oxygen to produce a concentrated CO₂ stream)
- Transport: The captured CO₂ is compressed and transported via pipelines, ships, or trucks to a storage site.
- Storage: The CO₂ is injected into deep geological formations, such as depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers, where it is stored permanently.
CCS Applications
- Power Plants: Reducing emissions from coal and natural gas power plants.
- Cement & Steel Industry: Hard-to-abate sectors where CCS can play a major role.
- Hydrogen Production: CCS enables “blue hydrogen” production by capturing CO₂ from natural gas reforming.
- Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR): Injecting CO₂ into oil fields to improve oil extraction while storing CO₂ underground.
CCS vs. Direct Air Capture (DAC)
- CCS captures CO₂ at the source before it enters the atmosphere.
- DAC removes CO₂ directly from the ambient air.
Challenges & Future Outlook
- High Cost: CCS is expensive, with costs for capture, transport, and storage.
- Infrastructure Needs: Large-scale deployment requires extensive pipelines and storage sites.
- Energy Consumption: The capture process requires additional energy.
- Regulations & Public Acceptance: Some concerns exist regarding long-term storage safety.
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is emerging as a pivotal technology in India’s strategy to mitigate climate change and achieve its net-zero emissions target by 2070.
Future Outlook and Market Size
Globally, the CCS market is projected to grow from USD 6.37 billion in 2023 to USD 17.43 billion by 2032, reflecting a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 11.82% during this period. While specific projections for India are limited, the country’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and the increasing interest in CCS technologies suggest a significant potential for market expansion. The Indian government is actively exploring CCS to decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, aligning with its updated Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and net-zero ambitions.
SWOT Analysis of CCS in India
Strengths:
- Government Commitment: India’s dedication to achieving net-zero emissions by 2070 provides a robust policy framework supporting CCS initiatives.
- Industrial Base: The presence of large-scale industries, such as steel and cement, offers opportunities for integrating CCS technologies to reduce emissions.
Weaknesses:
- High Implementation Costs: The substantial capital required for CCS projects poses financial challenges, particularly in the absence of established funding mechanisms.
- Limited Infrastructure: The current lack of infrastructure for CO₂ transportation and storage hinders large-scale CCS deployment.
Opportunities:
- Technological Innovation: Advancements in CCS technologies can lead to cost reductions and improved efficiency, making projects more viable.
- International Collaborations: Partnerships with global entities can facilitate knowledge transfer and provide financial support for CCS projects.
Threats:
- Public Perception: Concerns about the safety and environmental impact of CO₂ storage may lead to public opposition.
- Policy Uncertainty: Inconsistent policies and regulatory frameworks can deter investment and slow down CCS adoption.
Opportunities in India
India’s focus on CCS presents several opportunities:
- Policy Development: Establishing clear policies and regulatory frameworks can attract investments and facilitate the growth of CCS projects.
- Research and Development: Investing in R&D can lead to the development of cost-effective and efficient CCS technologies tailored to India’s specific needs.
- Capacity Building: Training programs and educational initiatives can equip the workforce with the necessary skills to implement and manage CCS technologies effectively.
In summary, while CCS in India faces challenges such as high costs and infrastructure limitations, the government’s commitment to climate goals and the potential for technological advancements offer a promising pathway for its development. However, CCS is crucial for meeting net-zero emission goals, especially for industries that are difficult to decarbonize. India is also exploring CCS for industrial sectors and carbon-negative initiatives.
Now, Google has made a significant investment in India’s carbon capture initiatives by partnering with Varaha, an Indian startup specializing in biochar production. This collaboration involves Google purchasing 100,000 tons of carbon credits from Varaha by 2030, marking one of the largest biochar-based carbon removal agreements to date and Google’s inaugural foray into India’s carbon dioxide removal sector.
Understanding Biochar and Its Environmental Benefits
Biochar is produced by heating organic material, such as agricultural waste, in the absence of oxygen—a process known as pyrolysis. This method sequesters carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, storing it in a stable form that can remain in the soil for centuries. Beyond its carbon sequestration capabilities, biochar enhances soil fertility, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, and improves water retention, making it a multifaceted tool in sustainable agriculture.
Varaha’s Role and Potential Impact
Varaha plans to source agricultural waste from hundreds of smallholder farms across India to produce biochar. This initiative not only aids in carbon sequestration but also provides farmers with a valuable soil amendment, promoting sustainable farming practices. Madhur Jain, CEO of Varaha, highlighted the vast potential of this approach, stating that India’s farms could generate enough biochar to store over 100 million tons of CO₂ annually.
Google’s Commitment to Carbon Removal
This partnership aligns with Google’s broader commitment to environmental sustainability and carbon neutrality. The company has been actively investing in various carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, including direct air capture and enhanced rock weathering. By engaging in large-scale biochar projects like the one with Varaha, Google aims to diversify its carbon offset strategies and support scalable, nature-based solutions.
