The Prime Minister's Science, Technology, and Innovation Advisory Council (PM-STIAC) has developed a comprehensive roadmap to advance carbon capture technology, aiming for India to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. This initiative is part of the broader national strategy to combat climate change and transition to a sustainable future.

The council's plan focuses on accelerating research and development in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) technologies. These technologies are crucial for reducing carbon emissions from industrial sources and achieving significant reductions in the carbon footprint.

Key aspects of the roadmap include fostering innovation through public-private partnerships, enhancing funding for research projects, and developing pilot programs to test and refine CCUS technologies. The initiative also emphasises the importance of creating a supportive regulatory framework and building the necessary infrastructure for widespread implementation.

Dr. Vijay Raghavan, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India, highlighted the critical role of CCUS in meeting the country's climate goals. He noted that while renewable energy adoption is vital, carbon capture technologies are essential to address emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as cement and steel production.

The PM-STIAC's strategy also outlines the potential economic benefits of developing a robust CCUS industry. It envisions job creation, technological advancements, and new business opportunities as key outcomes of this transition. Additionally, the plan includes measures to ensure community engagement and address potential environmental and social impacts.

By charting a clear path for carbon capture technology, the PM-STIAC aims to position India as a global leader in climate action. The council's efforts are expected to significantly contribute to the country's ambitious target of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070, marking a decisive step towards a sustainable and resilient future.