Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) Testbeds

Why in News?
 

Recently, the Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched a new initiative to reduce pollution from the cement industry on National Technology Day, 11th May 2015.

1. It involves setting up five Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) Testbeds in the cement sector to promote Green Cement.
    

What is Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU)?
 

1. About:
   1. CCU is a modern technology that captures CO₂ released during industrial processes.
   2. It is promoting the reuse of emitted CO₂ .
2. Uses:
   1. Synthetic fuels: CCU can be used to produce synthetic fuels like kerosene, which can be used in aviation or other sectors.
   2. Chemicals: CO2 can be converted into chemicals like urea, which is used in fertilizers.
   3. Building materials: CO2 can be used to manufacture concrete and cement, reducing the carbon footprint of these materials.
   4. Other products: CCU can also be used to create materials like carbon nanotubes and graphene, which have various applications in technology.
3. Benefits of CCU:
   1. Reduced emissions: CCU helps to reduce CO2 emissions from industrial sources.
   2. Resource efficiency: CCU can reduce the reliance on fossil fuels and other resources.
   3. Economic growth: It can create new industries and jobs in the carbon capture and utilization sector.
   4. Environmental benefits: It can help to mitigate climate change and improve air quality.

What are the Importance of CCU?
 

1. The CCU initiative is a significant step towards helping India to achieve its climate objectives.
   1. Achiveing net-zero carbon emissions by 2070.
   2. Fulfilling the Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) under the Paris Agreement.
2. This initiative will contribute to creating new employment opportunities, fostering innovation, and building a cleaner, greener economy for future generations.

What is Green Cement?
 

1. Green cement is a kind of cement that is better for the environment.
2. It is made using a process that produces much less carbon dioxide (CO₂), which helps in controlling the pollution.
3. Green cement uses waste leftovers from industries, like slag from blast furnaces and fly ash instead of using only new raw materials.
4. The technology used to make green cement saves a lot of energy and releases much less CO₂ about 40% less compared to regular cement.
5. Green cement also costs less to make and is cheaper to buy because it uses waste materials.

What are the Testbeds?
 

1. A testbed is like a small project or experiment where new ideas and technologies are tested.
2. These five testbeds will test different ways to capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) which is a major green house gas that causes global warming.
    

What will Each Testbed Do?
                                                   

1. Each testbed is trying a different method to reduce CO₂ from cement factories.
   1. Testbed 1 (JK Cement Ballabhgarh):
      1. It will capture two tonnes of CO₂ every day.
      2. The CO₂ will turn into lightweight blocks (Concrete Block) and olefins (alkene used in making plastics).
      3. It uses a method called oxygen calcination.
   2. Testbed 2 (IIT Kanpur and JSW Cement):
      1. It will test CO₂ mineralisation.
      2. Mineralisation means turning CO₂ into solid materials like rocks or bricks.
   3. Testbed 3 (IIT Bombay and Dalmia Cement):
      1. It will use catalysts to capture CO₂ more efficiently. The catalyst will help the chemical reaction happen more quickly.
   4. Testbed 4 (CSIR-IIP, IIT Tirupati, IISc and JSW Cement):
      1. It will use vacuum swing adsorption.
      2. This is a method where CO₂ is pulled out of the air using a vacuum and special materials.
      3. Testbed 5 ( IIT Madras, BITS Pilani Goa and UltraTech Cement)
         1. It will work on new process ideas to lower carbon emissions at every step of cement production.

Why Focus on the Cement Sector?
 

1. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) pollution from cement factories in India has increased almost four times since the year 2000.  
2. Cement production in India released about 177 million tonnes of CO₂ in the year 2023.
3. This was around 6% of all CO₂ pollution from fossile fuel use and industries in India that year.
4. India's cement industry alone caused 6% of the country’s industrial pollution and 11% of the world’s cement pollution in 2023.
    

How does Public-Private Partnership promote innovation in CCU?

1. This CCU project is being done in a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model.
2. The top research institutions are working together with Major cement companies.
3. This project will be supported by Government funding.
4. This collaboration helps in sharing knowledge, testing new technologies in real-world conditions, and making them ready for large-scale use.
    

What are the Challenges Associated with CCU?
 

1. High Costs: Implementing CCU technology requires significant investment, making it expensive for many industries to adopt.
2. Technical Complexity: Capturing and converting CO₂ efficiently involves complex processes that need advanced technology and expertise.
3. Energy Requirements: CCU processes can consume a lot of energy, which may reduce overall efficiency if not managed properly.
4. Limited Infrastructure: There is a lack of widespread infrastructure to capture, transport, and utilize CO₂ on a large scale.
5. Market Development: Products made from captured CO₂ are still emerging, and demand for these products is not yet strong enough to sustain large-scale CCU operations.

Way forward:

1. Increase Research and Innovation: Support ongoing research to improve CCU technologies, making them more efficient and affordable.
2. Government Incentives and Funding: Provide financial support, subsidies, and policy incentives to encourage industries to adopt CCU solutions.
3. Capacity Building and Training: Train workers and managers to operate and maintain CCU technologies effectively.
4. Develop Infrastructure: Build the necessary facilities for capturing, transporting, and utilizing CO₂ at a larger scale.
5. Promote Market Creation: Encourage the use and demand of CO₂-based products through awareness campaigns and industry partnerships to ensure sustainability of CCU initiatives.