Workshop on Legal & Regulatory Frameworks for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage Held

NITI Aayog has established four technical inter-ministerial committees focused on standards, storage, transportation, and utilization of CO2.

A two-day workshop on "Legal & Regulatory Frameworks and Technical Considerations for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)" was successfully held from August 22-23, 2024, at The Oberoi, New Delhi. The workshop was jointly organized by NITI Aayog, the US Department of State's Bureau of Energy Resources, the US Department of Energy's Office of Carbon Management, and the US Department of Commerce's Commercial Law Development Program.

Key Participants:

HE Eric Garcetti, Ambassador, US Embassy

Mr. David Turk, Deputy Secretary, US Department of Energy

Shri Tarun Kapoor, Adviser to the Hon'ble Prime Minister

Shri Suman Bery, Vice Chairman, NITI Aayog

Dr. VK Saraswat, Member, NITI Aayog

Shri Pankaj Agarwal, Secretary, Ministry of Power

The workshop brought together senior dignitaries, industry leaders, and experts to discuss the critical role of CCUS in decarbonizing hard-to-abate industries such as steel, cement, chemicals, and fertilizers. The technology is crucial for India's economic growth, supporting a cleaner coal gasification economy, facilitating the transition to green hydrogen, and creating new economic opportunities.

NITI Aayog has established four technical inter-ministerial committees focused on standards, storage, transportation, and utilization of CO2. These committees are tasked with developing a robust policy framework to overcome challenges related to CCUS implementation, including technology readiness, high capital costs, infrastructure gaps, regulatory issues, and public acceptance. NITI Aayog and US agencies are working together on various aspects of CCUS under a technical cooperation work plan.

Opening Remarks:

HE Eric Garcetti emphasized the longstanding US-India partnership and rephrased CCUS as "Collaboration and Coordination with the US," highlighting the spirit of cooperation.

Shri Suman Bery discussed NITI Aayog's efforts to balance employment, growth, and environmental sustainability in India's Net Zero 2070 pathway.

Dr. VK Saraswat stressed the urgency of developing CCUS technology to meet India's net zero targets, citing pilot projects by industry partners.

Shri Pankaj Agarwal highlighted the need for efficient technologies and domestic energy sources to meet India's climate commitments.

Shri Tarun Kapoor concluded with a call for global efforts to develop CCUS technologies in line with India's Viksit Bharat 2047 ambition.

Workshop Sessions: The workshop included sessions on:

Key Legal, Policy, and Regulatory Issues for CCUS

International Standards

Business Cases & Early Opportunities for India

CO2 Technologies and Their Potential

Carbon Source and Sink Mapping

Storage Pilots, Hubs, and Clusters (Carbon Valleys)

R&D Cooperation on Carbon Management

A panel discussion moderated by Dr. VK Saraswat featured:

Ms. Priya Prasad (US CLDP)

Ms. Ingvild Ombudstvedt (IOM Law)

Shri Atanu Mukherjee (CEO & President, Dastur Energy)

Dr. Rath (CMD, Oil India)

Prof. Vikram Vishal (IIT Bombay)

The panel addressed issues such as harmonizing regulatory mechanisms, liability, safety, affordability, and the impact of international regimes like CBAM. They emphasized the need for improved collaboration and data exchange between the US and India to successfully deploy CCUS technologies at scale.

The workshop concluded with a strong commitment to advancing CCUS technology and fostering international cooperation for effective climate action.