The development of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in India: A critical review

Abstract

Carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) is a three-tier process- carbon capture, transport and storage. The capture consists of pre-combustion, oxy-combustion and post-combustion capture. Transport of CO2 is most viable through pipelines. The biotic CO2storage occurs through terrestrial or oceanic pathways and can be simulated naturally or artificially. The abiotic/geologic storage is achieved through sequestering CO2 in depleting/depleted hydrocarbon reserves, in deep saline aquifers or through mineral carbonation. At the district level, 64 out of 641 districts (2013 government reports) accounted for ∼ 60% of the total CO2 emissions. Controlling CO2 emissions comes with the challenge of sustainable socio-economic growth of the country- a demanding task for the economy. Indian organizations have made international collaborations. India holds a substantial geological sequestration potential in its basaltic rocks, coal seams, depleted oil reserves, soils, deep saline aquifers and sedimentary basins. At this point, no carbon capture and storage / clean development mechanism projects are operational in the country. The next 10-15 years would be very crucial for India to attain technological advancement to deploy large-scale CCS projects.

Keywords

• Environment management
• Pollution
• Technological measures
• Air quality
• Geology