Advancing Carbon Capture in India’s Cement Sector
On January 16, 2025, NITI Aayog hosted a significant workshop titled “Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) in the Indian Cement Sector” at Vigyan Bhawan in New Delhi. This event brought together key figures from various sectors, including government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts. Notable attendees included Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Dr. VK Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog, and Sh. Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary of the Ministry of Power. The workshop aimed to address the pressing need for decarbonization in the cement industry, which is crucial for India’s goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2070.
The Importance of Decarbonizing the Cement Sector
The Indian cement industry is a cornerstone of the nation’s infrastructure and urban development. With an installed capacity of 600 million tonnes and a production of 391 million tonnes in 2022-23, it significantly contributes to the economy. However, this sector is also responsible for approximately 5.8% of India’s total CO₂ emissions. To meet environmental targets, it is essential to reduce these emissions. While technologies like kiln electrification and solar fuel can help, they are not enough on their own. Experts estimate that 35% to 45% of the sector’s emissions will require CCUS as a vital strategy for reduction.
The workshop focused on sector-specific approaches to decarbonization, emphasizing the need for tailored solutions that address the unique challenges of the cement industry. By integrating CCUS technologies, the sector can significantly lower its carbon footprint. This is not just an environmental imperative but also a pathway to sustainable economic growth.
Leveraging India’s CCUS Potential
India possesses significant potential for CCUS, particularly in regions like the Krishna-Godavari Basin and Deccan Traps. These areas offer substantial CO₂ storage capacity, which can be harnessed to mitigate emissions from the cement sector. The workshop highlighted innovative CO₂ utilization pathways, such as producing methanol, biodegradable plastics, and other value-added chemicals. These alternatives can transform waste CO₂ into valuable products, promoting a circular economy.
The Principal Scientific Advisor to the Prime Minister underscored the challenges of decarbonizing the cement sector, a particularly hard-to-abate industry. He stressed the importance of balancing economic growth with emissions reduction. Research and development in CCUS technologies will be crucial for achieving these goals. By leveraging India’s natural resources and technological advancements, the cement sector can lead the way toward a sustainable, low-carbon future.
Collaborative Efforts for a Sustainable Future
The workshop also served as a platform for discussing the collaborative efforts needed to advance CCUS in India. Dr. V K Saraswat emphasized the role of carbon pricing and climate finance as essential tools for decarbonizing the cement industry. Sh. Pankaj Agarwal mentioned that the Ministry of Power is actively preparing a CCUS Mission to facilitate this transition.
The discussions highlighted the importance of a comprehensive CCUS roadmap for the cement sector. This roadmap should align with India’s climate commitments while supporting the industry’s growth and competitiveness. Collaboration among policymakers, industry leaders, researchers, and financiers is vital to realize the vision of a decarbonized cement sector. The establishment of the Centre of Excellence on “Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Sequestration” by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) is a step in this direction, focusing on innovative solutions to mitigate CO₂ emissions.
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