India to have two National Centres of Excellence: A step towards Carbon Capture & Utilization

Carbon dioxide is considered the main contributor in causing the imbalance in the Earth’s climate that is habitable for humans and millions of other species. Despite the slowdown caused by the coronavirus induced lockdowns globally, the Carbon dioxide levels have hit a record high. Hence, keeping the view in mind that the GHG – Greenhouse Gas Emissions are projected to increase by more than two or three times by mid-centuary, Carbon Capture, Utilization and Storage programme is induced with the aim to reduce carbon emission either by storing it or reusing it.

Aligning with this, two National Centres of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization are being established in India. With the support of the Department of Science & Technology (DST), these two centres namely, NCoE-CCU (National Centre of Excellence in Carbon Capture and Utilization) is established at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT-Bombay) and NCCCU ( National Centre in Carbon Capture and Utilization ) at Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) Bengaluru.

What is Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) :

Carbon capture, utilization and sequestration can be understood as a process that captures carbon dioxide emissions from sources like coal-fired power plants and either reuses or stores it so that, it will not enter the atmosphere. In simple words, it is a crucial emission reduction technology that can be applied across the energy system.

This technology is meant to play an essential role in meeting net-zero targets, including as one of few solutions to tackle emissions from heavy industry. Globally, power and industry account for about 50% of all greenhouse gas emissions. With the debate rounding on Net Zero Emissions and targets being set, it is vital to identify and adopt the right balance of portfolio of emission curtailment technologies. Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) is among such key pathways to reduce emissions while continuing to develop sustainably at an unprecedented pace. CCU aligns with 5 of the 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs), namely, climate action; clean energy, industry, innovation, and infrastructure; responsible consumption and production; and partnerships to achieve the goals.

Role of CoEs:

CoEs (Centres of Excellence) are aimed at facilitating capturing & mapping of current R&D and innovation activities in the domain and also developing networks of researchers, industries and stakeholders with coordination and synergy between partnering groups and organizations. The Centres will act as multi-disciplinary, long-term research, design development, collaborative and capacity-building hubs for state-of-the-art research and application-oriented initiatives in the field of CCU.

NCoE-CCU at IIT Bombay:

The Centre of Excellence n- NCoE-CCU at IIT Bombay is set to define milestones and spearhead science and technology initiatives for industry-oriented CCU innovation in India, alongside developing novel methodologies for improving the technology readiness levels in CCU. R&D methods are essential in CCU and this centre will accelerate the methods in capturing and sequestration of Carbon. The centre will also work on the conversion of captured carbon dioxide to chemicals, CO2 transport, compression and utilization, as well as on enhanced hydrocarbon recovery as co-benefit pathways. The NCoE-CCU will also develop and demonstrate efficient CO2 capture from representative flue gas from the effluents of the power plant and biogas plant.

NCCCU at JNCASR, Bengaluru:

The Centre of Excellence at Bengaluru is aimed to develop and demonstrate carbon capture and conversion by developing relevant materials and methodologies. These processes will be scaled up to pilot scale mode to produce hydrocarbons, olefins and other value-added chemicals and fuels. It will also work on reaching the technology readiness level on par with the commercial requirement at the industry level. The centre will promote the CCU research, provide training and consultancy and translate its research excellence into solutions with global economic and social impact.

Overall, the Centres will aid in bringing together the country’s collective strength and assist in the development of an appropriate and feasible R&D and innovation roadmap.