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Reading Worksheet | Competency-Based | Class XI-XII | CBSE Board
- Monotosh Dey
- 2 days ago
- 1 min read
Is Carbon Capture Usage and Storage (CCUS) a Climate Game-Changer?
India has introduced several initiatives to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070 - one of which is the emphasis on harnessing Carbon Capture Usage Storage (CCUS) technology. But what is CCUS, and can this truly transform the climate fight?
India’s ambitious goal of reaching net-zero emissions by 2070 has brought technologies like Carbon Capture, Usage and Storage (CCUS) into sharp focus. Officially launched at COP28 in Dubai in 2023, the CCUS initiative seeks to reduce carbon emissions by capturing CO₂ from industries like power, cement, steel, and refineries. This captured carbon can be reused for industrial purposes or stored underground.
The technology functions in three phases: capture, utilisation, and storage. Depending on the concentration of carbon in emission streams, different methods—chemical solvents, physical solvents, or adsorption—are used. Captured carbon is repurposed into products like green urea, dry ice, or even green fuels like hydrogen and methane. It can also be stored in geological formations such as saline aquifers and depleted oil fields.
Despite global recognition of CCUS, challenges remain. High costs, limited success stories, and underdeveloped infrastructure have hindered its wide-scale adoption. Countries like the UK have faced setbacks due to commercial risks. In India, the 2022 NITI Aayog report recommends tax incentives, early-stage financing, and public-private partnerships to attract investors.
India, being one of the largest carbon emitters, sees CCUS as crucial in decarbonising heavy industries and promoting cleaner fuels. However, experts caution that success depends on integrating all three stages of the technology. Particularly, carbon storage requires more data and suitable geological infrastructure.
While CCUS offers promise, its effectiveness will rely on careful policy planning, research, and equitable implementation. As India moves forward with its climate commitments, CCUS could play a vital role—provided it is supported by strong institutional frameworks and investment incentives.
Source: The Indian Express ( Adapted for Academic Usage)
1. What is the primary purpose of CCUS technology in India’s climate strategy? (1 mark)
a) To replace fossil fuels with wind power
b) To capture and store or reuse carbon emissions
c) To boost oil production
d) To reduce electricity prices
2. The three key components of CCUS technology are: ________, usage, and storage. (1 mark)
3. Which of the following best defines the term sequestration as used in the passage? (1 mark)
a) Emission
b) Enhancement
c) Storage
d) Capture
4. True or False:India launched the CCUS programme during the G20 summit in 2023. (1 mark)
5. What is one of the major concerns scientists have raised about Direct Air Capture (DAC)? (1 mark)
a) It increases the greenhouse effect.
b) It has not been tested successfully in any environment.
c) It is still in its early stages and lacks real-world applications.
d) It uses too much water.
6. What role does the NITI Aayog report suggest the government should play to boost investment in CCUS technologies? ( 2 Marks)
7. According to the passage, why is it important for all three components of CCUS (capture, usage, and storage) to be effectively integrated? ( 2 Marks)
8. Find a word in the passage that means “to give official approval or support to something.” (1 mark)
Answer Key
1.b) To capture and store or reuse carbon emissions
Explanation: CCUS is designed to prevent carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere by capturing and either storing or reusing it.
6. The NITI Aayog report recommends a multi-pronged policy approach including tax and cash credits, early-stage financing, public-private partnerships, easy procurement of raw materials, and incentives like Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes to attract investment in CCUS technologies.
7. Experts argue that without integrating all three stages—capture, usage, and storage—CCUS cannot significantly reduce carbon emissions. A particular concern is the lack of proper data and infrastructure for the storage stage in India, which hinders its effectiveness.
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