For the cement industry, India launched its first set of Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) testbeds

Regarding Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU)

Definition: Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) represents a collection of technologies that capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from sources such as power generation and industrial sites, subsequently transforming them into beneficial products.

Process: The initial stage consists of isolating CO2 from other gases released by industrial activities or directly from the air (Direct Air Capture – DAC). Different technologies such as solvent absorption, membrane separation, and adsorption are utilized for this purpose.

Instances of CO2 Utilisation: Pumping CO2 into oil fields to enhance oil recovery, CO2 can be merged with hydrogen to generate synthetic fuels such as methanol, ethanol, or captured CO2 can be utilized to manufacture concrete, cement substitutes, and additional building materials.

Importance of the Initiative

Reducing Carbon Emissions in Challenging Sectors: The cement, steel, power, oil & gas, and fertilizer industries play a major role in India’s industrial CO₂ emissions. CCU provides a flexible route to decrease emissions without hindering economic development.

Meeting Climate Obligations: The initiative backs India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) as per the Paris Agreement and corresponds with long-term Low Emission Development Strategies (LEDS).

Public-Private-Academia Collaboration: An innovative PPP framework unites academia, industry, and government to implement translational R&D.

Green Cement Production: Targeted advancements could lower the expense of green cement, facilitating broader market acceptance and the decarbonization of the construction industry.

Circular Economy: CCU endorses a circular strategy by converting a waste product (CO2) into a valuable resource, lessening dependence on fossil fuel-based feedstocks.