Context:
ONGC has initiated its first full-scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) pilot project at the Gandhar oilfield in Gujarat, marking a major step in India’s decarbonisation efforts within the hydrocarbon sector.
Key Highlights:
- Project Details
- The CCS pilot involves injecting around 100 tonnes of CO₂ per day into depleted onshore oil wells at Gandhar.
- CO₂ will be sourced from industrial units near Dahej and ONGC’s Hazira processing plant.
- Two abandoned wells will be repurposed for long-term subsurface CO₂ storage.
- Strategic Significance
- Forms a key component of ONGC’s net-zero and decarbonisation roadmap.
- Prevents direct atmospheric release of industrial carbon emissions.
- Demonstrates reuse of exhausted hydrocarbon reservoirs for climate mitigation.
- Technology & Collaboration
- Integrates industrial carbon capture with upstream oilfield infrastructure.
- Highlights a collaborative approach between energy producers and industrial emitters.
- Aligns India with global CCS deployment trends in hard-to-abate sectors.
Scientific / Technical Concepts Involved:
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS): Capturing CO₂ at source and storing it underground to mitigate climate change.
- Decarbonisation: Systematic reduction of carbon emissions across sectors.
- Subsurface Hydrocarbon Reservoirs: Geological formations capable of safely storing CO₂ after oil and gas extraction.
Relevant Prelims Points:
- CCS: Key climate mitigation technology recognised by IPCC.
- Depleted Oil Wells: Offer existing geological data and infrastructure advantages.
- Industrial CO₂ Sources: Major contributors to hard-to-reduce emissions.
Relevant Mains Points:
- Environmental Dimension: CCS supports India’s climate commitments without abruptly disrupting energy security.
- Economic Dimension: Enables continued use of fossil infrastructure while transitioning to low-carbon pathways.
- Science & Technology: Enhances indigenous expertise in advanced climate technologies.
- Policy Perspective: Complements renewables and green hydrogen for a balanced transition.
- Way Forward:
- Scale up CCS through policy incentives and carbon markets.
- Establish robust monitoring and verification frameworks for stored CO₂.
- Integrate CCS with industrial clusters and national climate strategies.
UPSC Relevance:
- GS 3: Environment, climate change, science & technology
- Prelims: CCS, decarbonisation technologies
- Mains: Energy transition and sustainable development