Shri Dharmendra Pradhan inaugurates India’s First Integrated CCUS Field Laboratory Facility under Bharat Innovates 2026

1. At a Glance

2. Why in the News

3. Background & Evolution

4. Core Static Facts

5. Multi-Dimensional Analysis

Scientific / Technological - Integrates the three CCUS pillars — capture, utilisation, geological storage — in a single field testbed (first in India) [S2]. - Basalt sequestration exploits mineral carbonation: CO₂ reacts with Ca/Mg silicates to form stable carbonates — ideal for India's Deccan Traps [S2]. - Indigenous catalyst routes earlier piloted with Dalmia Cement (cement sector) and steel-sector CO₂→CO conversion under NCoE-CCU [S6].

Environmental - Targets hard-to-abate sectors (cement, steel, power, refining) where renewables alone cannot decarbonise [S3]. - CCUS recognised by NITI Aayog as key CO₂ mitigation lever for low-carbon transition [S3].

Economic - NITI Aayog: ~750 mtpa capture by 2050 ⇒ 8–10 million FTE jobs [S3]. - Supports viability at pithead capture (Ministry of Coal priority) [S3].

Administrative / Governance - Cross-ministerial: led by Ministry of Education (via IIT-B), with DST funding NCoE-CCU; Ministries of Coal, Power, Petroleum are stakeholders; NITI Aayog sets policy; PM-STIAC provides apex S&T advice [S3][S4][S9].

Geopolitical / Strategic - Bharat Innovates 2026 International Showcase to be held in Nice, France (14–16 June 2026) — positions India as a deep-tech CCUS partner globally [S5].

6. Recent Developments (last 12-18 months)

7. Prelims Hooks

8. Mains Relevance

9. Related Topics to Study Next

10. Common Errors / Trap Areas

11. Sources

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