India’s cement industry, among the largest globally, accounts for approximately 5.8 per cent of the country’s total CO2 emissions, with clinker production being the primary contributor. While alternative solutions such as kiln electrification and solar fuels offer some potential, experts agree that carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technologies are crucial for significant emission reductions, particularly addressing 35-45 per cent of the sector's footprint.
NITI Aayog recently hosted a workshop on CCUS in the Indian cement sector at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, gathering key stakeholders from government, industry and academia to discuss decarbonisation strategies. The event explored India's potential for CO2 storage in regions such as the Krishna-Godavari Basin and highlighted utilisation pathways, including methanol production, biodegradable plastics and chemicals to support a circular carbon economy.
Principal Scientific Advisor to the Government of India, Ajay Kumar Sood, highlighted the challenge of decarbonising the cement sector while balancing economic growth. VK Saraswat, member of NITI Aayog, stressed the critical role of CCUS in achieving India’s climate goals, particularly the target of net-zero emissions by 2070.
Experts emphasised the need for collaboration between government, industry, and academia to develop scalable, cost-effective CCUS solutions that align with India's sustainable development objectives.
