Climate change is one of the most pressing issues for the 21st century, primarily driven by the increase in the concentration of greenhouse gases, in the atmosphere. Carbon dioxide (CO₂) is the most significant among these gases, contributing approximately 76% of global GHG emissions. The urgency to reduce CO₂ emissions has led to exploring various techniques, among which Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) stands out as a promising solution.CCU refers to capturing of CO₂ emissions from industrial sources or the atmosphere and converting them into useful products and aims to reduce carbon emissions by either storing or reusing them so that the captured carbon dioxide does not enter the atmosphere.
The Process There are three primary methods of carbon capture: pre-combustion, post-combustion, and oxy-fuel combustion.
In pre-combustion, CO₂ is captured before fossil fuels are burned. In post-combustion, CO₂ is captured after fossil fuels have been burned. In oxy-fuel combustion, fuels are burned in pure oxygen instead of air, and Direct air capture removes CO2 from ambient air instead of only at stationary points of CO2 emission. Once captured, the CO₂ can be utilized in various ways, transforming it from a waste product into a valuable resource
Applications
CCU has many applications across different industries, offering benefits beyond reducing GHG emissions. Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR), Concrete Production, and Fuel Production:
Chemical Manufacturing, Polymers (including bio-plastics):
Challenges: Despite its potential, CCU faces several challenges that must be addressed to realize its full potential. These challenges include High Costs, Energy Requirements, Infrastructure Limitations, and Regulatory and Policy Barriers:
Future Prospects
The world focuses on the goals set out in the Paris Agreement, CCU is gaining increasing attention as a key component of climate change mitigation strategies. India is the 3rd largest emitter of CO2 globally after China and the US, with estimated annual emissions of about 2.6 (gtpa). India has committed to reducing CO2 emissions by 50% by 2050 and reaching net zero by 2070. Advances in technology, investment in R&D, and cost reductions could make CCU more economically viable and scalable in the coming years. Additionally, the development of new technologies for carbon capturing, and framing stronger policy.
Conclusion
Carbon Capture and Utilization represents a promising approach to addressing the dual challenges of climate change and resource sustainability by capturing CO₂ emissions and converting them into valuable products like ‘blue’ hydrogen fuel, Green urea, Building materials, Chemicals, Polymers, etc.CCU offers a pathway to reduce greenhouse gas emissions while supporting economic growth. One of the leading innovation priorities for CCU is reducing the energy needed to convert CO2 to fuels and chemicals, developing advanced conversion routes such as CO2 electrolysis and plasmolysis, and solar-based thermochemical conversion. Also, providing a revenue stream on smaller-scale CO2 can support demonstrating novel CO2 capture routes, such as membranes and direct air capture. With continued innovation, investment, and collaboration between governments, industries, and researchers, CCU could become a cornerstone of global efforts to combat climate change and build a sustainable future.

AMISHA MEENA

University/College name : IIT BHU