Harnessing Carbon Capture for a Sustainable Future

India, with its industrial sector projected to drive economic growth to USD 10 trillion by 2035, is taking proactive steps by integrating Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) into steel and cement production. India is expected to spend around USD 4-6 billion on CCS by 2030.

September 03, 2025. By News Bureau

Tags:

articles

MAIRE Group

Carbon capture

Sustainable future

Carbon capture and storage

CCS

Climate change

Our planet has an incredible ability to heal, and we have the responsibility to protect it. By making strategic choices in energy and sustainability, we can mitigate climate change and drive a cleaner, greener future. One of the pressing challenges we face is the excess carbon dioxide (CO₂) released when fossil fuels like coal, oil, and gas are burned for energy. This greenhouse gas traps heat, leading to global temperature rise, extreme weather, and environmental disruptions.

According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), global CO₂ emissions must be reduced by 45 percent from 2010 levels by 2030 and reach net-zero by 2050 to avert severe climate consequences. The energy sector alone accounts for nearly 73 percent of total greenhouse gas emissions, making decarbonisation an urgent priority, as highlighted by the International Energy Agency (IEA). To address this issue, industries are increasingly turning to Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology, which captures CO₂ before it enters the atmosphere, transports it, and stores it underground. Recognised by the IPCC, IEA, and the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) as a critical tool for emissions reduction, CCS is gaining momentum globally.

Why is Carbon Capture Important?

While renewable energy adoption is accelerating, certain industries – such as cement, steel, chemicals, and fossil fuel-based power generation – continue to be significant CO₂ emitters, collectively accounting for nearly 30 percent of global emissions. These sectors lack immediate large-scale alternatives, making CCS a vital bridge in the transition to net-zero. The IEA estimates that widespread CCS implementation could reduce up to 90 percent of emissions from these industries and cut 15 percent of the world’s total CO₂ emissions by 2050.

CCS involves three main steps:

Capture: CO₂ is separated from other gases produced in power plants, factories, or even directly from the air.
Transport: Once captured, CO₂ is compressed and transported through pipelines, ships, or trucks to storage sites.
Storage: The CO₂ is injected deep underground into rock formations where it remains permanently trapped, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.

Global Adoption and Real-World Impact

Countries worldwide are integrating CCS into their industrial and energy sectors. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), China has launched four new facilities, aiming to capture 85 million tons of CO₂ annually by 2030. The Middle East is rapidly expanding CCS infrastructure led by ADNOC’s 1.5 million tons CO₂ facility which is part of the Hail & Ghasha gas development project and utilises NEXTCHEM (MAIRE group)'s proprietary technology for CO₂ separation, part of NX Decarb Suite on CO₂ Management. The European Union has committed to developing at least 50 million tons of CO₂ storage capacity annually by 2030.

India, with its industrial sector projected to drive economic growth to USD 10 trillion by 2035, is taking proactive steps by integrating CCS into steel and cement production. India is expected to spend around USD 4-6 billion on CCS by 2030. Currently, 45 large-scale CCS facilities operate globally, with over 700 projects in development, according to IEA.

In this context, in September 2024, Europe's first post-combustion carbon capture plant started operating in Ravenna, Italy, as part of the Ravenna CCS Project where NEXTCHEM as a technology integrator, has developed its own innovative process design effectively enabling CO₂ capture from emissions gasses with high efficiency and low power consumption even at extremely low concentrations.

In 2023, CCS investments surged by 44 percent, with projected annual CO₂ capture reaching 95 million metric tons by 2030, particularly in hydrogen production, cement manufacturing, and power generation. Projects like the said ADNOC’s Hail and Ghasha gas development project, where Tecnimont (leading MAIRE’s Integrated Engineering and Construction Solutions BU) is executing the onshore processing portion for a contract value of USD 8.7 billion, showcases CCS’s potential in achieving net-zero operations. For this project, NEXTCHEM is also developing innovative digital solutions aimed at reducing emissions and optimising energy consumption, allowing a significant efficiency of the plant in terms of opex and capex.

The Multi-Dimensional Benefits of CCS

CCS is more than just an emissions-reduction tool; it offers a range of benefits that support sustainability and economic growth.

Reducing emissions in critical sectors: Industries such as cement production, steel manufacturing, and fossil fuel power generation are among the largest CO₂ emitters. Integrating CCS into these sectors can drastically cut emissions while ensuring the continued production of essential materials.

A bridge to a cleaner future: While other clean solutions are being developed, CCS provides an immediate answer to reduce emissions from industries today. By capturing carbon from existing energy systems, CCS enables a smoother transition to sustainable alternatives.

Enabling negative emissions: Beyond reducing new emissions, CCS can also remove existing CO₂ from the atmosphere. Technologies like Direct Air Capture (DAC) and Bioenergy with Carbon Capture and Storage (BECCS) have the potential to significantly contribute to the decarbonisation of industrial processes, making CCS a vital tool for long-term environmental targets.

Improving air quality and protecting ecosystems: In addition to curbing greenhouse gases, CCS helps capture pollutants like particulate matter, leading to cleaner air and healthier communities. By mitigating climate change, it also safeguards ecosystems and biodiversity, preserving natural habitats for future generations.

Driving economic growth and job creation: The global CCUS market is expected to reach USD 30 billion by 2030, driving employment in engineering, infrastructure, and technology sectors.

Embedding Sustainability in Industrial Innovation

In an era where corporations must go beyond explaining “what” they do and “how” they do it, the emphasis must shift to “why” they act. Our purpose-driven transformation is deeply rooted in the philosophy of "MAKE to INSPIRE”. This vision underscores a commitment to fostering innovation, sustainability, and industrial progress that harmonises with environmental responsibility. By integrating cutting-edge solutions like CCS, we not only advance decarbonisation but also redefine the way industries operate—driving efficiency, reducing waste, and accelerating the transition toward a net-zero future.

The road to net-zero is complex, but with collaboration, investment, and technological innovation, we can harness the power of CCS to accelerate the transition. The question is no longer whether we should act! It is how fast we can scale these solutions to ensure a sustainable future for generations to come.

While CCS is a powerful tool in reducing CO₂ emissions, it comes with certain challenges. For instance, setting up and operating CCS facilities requires substantial investment in capex. Infrastructure development is also essential for large-scale deployment, including building pipelines and storage sites to transport and securely store captured carbon. Another key challenge is public awareness, as many people are still unfamiliar with how CCS works and the benefits it offers in combating climate change.

- Bharat Goenka, VP-India Region, MAIRE Group