Relevance: GS III (Environment & Science/Tech) | Source: Indian Express
1. The Context: A Strategic Push
To hit the Net-Zero 2070 target, the Union Budget 2026-27 has allocated a massive ₹20,000 Crore (over 5 years) for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies.
2. The Concept: Why Not Just Renewables?
You might ask, “Why not just switch to Solar or Wind?”
- The “Hard-to-Abate” Problem: In industries like Steel and Cement, Carbon Dioxide ($CO_2$) isn’t just from burning coal for power; it is a chemical byproduct of making the material itself.
- The Solution: Renewables can’t fix chemical emissions. CCUS is the only way to strip out this $CO_2$ before it leaves the chimney.
3. The Process: Capture, Move, Store
- Capture: Separating $CO_2$ from other flue gases at the factory.
- Transport: Moving it via pipelines.
- Storage/Utilisation:
- Storage: Injecting it deep underground into old oil fields or saline aquifers (permanent lock).
- Utilisation: Turning it into value-added products like green urea, methanol, or building materials.
4. Strategic Importance (CBAM)
- Export Competitiveness: The European Union is introducing the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM)—a tax on “dirty” imports. CCUS helps Indian steel/cement makers lower their carbon footprint to avoid these heavy taxes and stay competitive.
UPSC Value Box
| Concept / Term | Relevance for Prelims |
| Hard-to-Abate Sectors | Heavy industries like Steel, Cement, and Chemicals where decarbonization is difficult because emissions are intrinsic to the chemical process, not just energy use. |
| DST-NCOE-CCUS | The National Centre of Excellence in CCUS established at IIT Bombay to lead indigenous research in this field. |
| Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) | A technique where captured $CO_2$ is injected into depleting oil fields to pressure out the remaining oil, effectively storing the carbon while boosting oil production. |
Q. With reference to Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technology, consider the following statements:
- It is primarily a method to capture carbon dioxide emissions from the atmosphere using giant fans (Direct Air Capture).
- It is considered the most viable solution for decarbonizing “hard-to-abate” sectors like cement and steel production.
- Captured carbon can be utilized to produce methanol and green urea.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
(a) 1 only
(b) 1 and 2 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3
Correct Answer: (c)
Share This Story, Choose Your Platform!
Start Yours at Ajmal IAS – with Mentorship StrategyDisciplineClarityResults that Drives Success
Your dream deserves this moment — begin it here.