India Launches First CCUS R&D Roadmap to Accelerate Net-Zero Goals

India took a significant step toward achieving its Net-Zero emissions target by 2070 with the launch of the country’s first R&D Roadmap for Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) on December 2. Prepared by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the roadmap aims to guide research, investment, and deployment of CCUS technologies across key industrial sectors.

CCUS is a technology that captures carbon dioxide emissions from industries such as power, steel, and cement, and either stores it safely underground or utilizes it in industrial processes. This is particularly critical in sectors where reducing emissions through other means is challenging.

The launch was officiated by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, who described the roadmap as an “excellent guide for coordinated action and collaboration on climate solutions.” He emphasized that the initiative would help reduce India’s carbon footprint, foster investments, and reinforce India’s position as a responsible global partner in combating climate change.

Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of DST, highlighted the department’s pivotal role in steering CCUS research and fostering national and international collaborations. He noted that the roadmap balances advancing current technologies toward commercial readiness with supporting breakthrough science for next-generation solutions. He also mentioned that the roadmap emphasizes supportive frameworks such as skilled workforce development, regulatory standards, and shared infrastructure. Additionally, DST plans to implement the ₹1 Lakh Crore Research, Development & Innovation (RDI) Scheme, aimed at boosting private-sector-led innovation in industrial decarbonization.

Industrial Focus and Regional Priorities

India’s CCUS roadmap targets the country’s hard-to-abate sectors, with pilot projects in real industrial environments already underway. Major power clusters are in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Maharashtra. Key steel hubs include Jharkhand, Odisha, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, while significant cement production areas are in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, and Odisha. Concentrating CCUS in these regions will allow industries to share infrastructure, reduce costs, and maximize impact.

Technical Details and Stakeholder Participation

Dr. Ashish Lele, Chair of the High-Level Task Force and Director of CSIR-NCL Pune, underscored DST’s role in accelerating both R&D and deployment of CCUS technologies. Dr. Anita Gupta and Dr. Neelima Alam from DST elaborated on national, multilateral, and bilateral CCUS initiatives, including the establishment of India’s first three National Centers of Excellence in CCUS.

The launch saw strong participation from academia, researchers, policymakers, and industry representatives, along with international partners from embassies and multilateral institutions, reflecting the growing global interest in CCUS.

As India balances rapid industrial growth with environmental responsibility, the CCUS roadmap represents a strategic approach to decarbonization, enabling the country to meet its climate goals while fostering technological innovation and international collaboration.