Concerns about CCUS in Asia and India’s Status

Concerns about CCUS in Asia and India’s Status: Carbon Capture, Usage, and Storage (CCUS) is pivotal for reducing CO₂ emissions from major sources, but Asia's heavy reliance on it raises significant concerns. This is crucial for UPSC aspirants, particularly for GS Paper 3, as it addresses environmental and economic challenges. Last Updated: 2025-10-13

Key Facts About CCUS

• CCUS Overview: Technologies designed to capture CO₂ emissions from sources such as power plants.
• Stages of CCUS: Involves capture, transport, and storage or utilization of CO₂.
• Capture Methods: Includes post-combustion, pre-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion techniques.
• Climate Change Role: Essential for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors and producing low-carbon energy.
• Asia's Emissions Concern: Potential for 24.9 gigatonnes of excess emissions by 2050.
• Economic Lock-In: High reliance on CCS may lock economies into outdated fossil fuel infrastructure.
• India's Status: Limited CCS infrastructure with ongoing testbeds in the cement sector.
• National Centres: Establishing two National Centres of Excellence in CCU.

Asia's CCUS Concerns and India's Strategic Path

CCUS is a critical component in Asia's strategy to mitigate climate change impacts, yet it presents the risk of economic lock-in to fossil fuel technologies. For India, balancing CCUS with renewable energy is vital to meet its strategic goal of sustainable economic growth. India ranks among the top nations in renewable energy capacity, emphasizing its commitment to a decarbonized future.

Related Government Schemes/Policies

• National Action Plan on Climate Change (NAPCC): Aims to promote sustainable development and enhance ecological sustainability.
• National Solar Mission: Focuses on increasing solar energy capacity to reduce carbon footprint.
• Green India Mission: Enhances carbon sinks in sustainably managed forests and other ecosystems.

UPSC Relevance

• GS Paper 3: Environment and Climate Change, Technology, Economic Development.
• Prelims Angle: Questions on CCUS stages, capture methods, and India's initiatives.
• Mains Angle: Analytical themes on balancing CCUS and renewable energy, economic implications of CCUS.
• Essay Paper: Topics on sustainable development and environmental policies.

FAQ Section

• What is CCUS? CCUS refers to technologies that capture CO₂ emissions from sources like power plants, transport it, and either store it underground or use it in various applications.
• Why is CCUS important? It plays a crucial role in reducing emissions from hard-to-abate sectors, contributing to low-carbon energy production, and addressing climate change challenges.
• What are the key features of CCUS? Key features include its stages: capture, transport, and storage or utilization, with methods like post-combustion, pre-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion.