Topic: Carbon Capture and Storage
Q5. Explain Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies. Evaluate their potential role in India’s hard-to-abate sectors. Discuss associated economic and regulatory challenges. (15 M)
Difficulty Level: Medium
Reference: InsightsIAS
Why the question
As India commits to Net Zero by 2070 while sustaining industrial growth, attention has shifted to technologies that can address emissions beyond the reach of renewables. CCUS has therefore become central to debates on decarbonising heavy industry and managing transition risks.Key demand of the question
The question requires explaining the concept of CCUS, analysing its relevance for India’s hard-to-abate sectors, and discussing the economic and regulatory challenges that constrain its adoption, all within India’s climate policy context.Structure of the answer
Introduction
Briefly locate CCUS within India’s climate mitigation strategy and the problem of industrial process emissions.Body
- Explain the meaning and core components of CCUS, including capture, utilisation and long-term storage of carbon dioxide.
- Analyse how CCUS can support decarbonisation in hard-to-abate sectors such as cement, steel, refineries and thermal power without disrupting output.
- Discuss the economic, regulatory and environmental challenges that affect large-scale CCUS deployment in India.
Conclusion
Conclude with a forward-looking note on the conditions under which CCUS can complement renewables and clean hydrogen in India’s transition pathway.
