Have IIT Bombay and NTPC Completed India's First CO2 Storage Well?
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Synopsis
IIT Bombay and NTPC have reached a landmark achievement in carbon management by drilling India's first CO2 storage well. This initiative not only aids in combating climate change but also sets the stage for future advancements in carbon capture technology, crucial for India's energy transition.
Key Takeaways
- IIT Bombay and NTPC have drilled India's first CO2 storage well.
- The project aims to assess the viability of geological CO2 storage.
- Located in Pakri Barwadih, Jharkhand, the well reaches a depth of 1200m.
- Initial studies show significant CO2 storage potential in the North Karanpura coalfield.
- The initiative is part of India's broader goals for carbon management and energy transition.
Mumbai, Dec 29 (NationPress) The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay and NTPC have achieved a significant milestone by completing the drilling of India's inaugural well to assess the feasibility of geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage in sedimentary formations, including coal and sandstone, as announced by the institute on Monday.
This collaborative initiative, launched in November 2022 under the guidance of NITI Aayog, has united NETRA, NTPC's R&D division, and the Department of Earth Sciences at IIT Bombay, to create India's first geological storage atlas focusing on coalbed methane-rich coalfields.
The atlas has delivered detailed simulation results, validated through experiments, that quantify the potential for geological CO2 storage across four key coalfields.
India successfully completed its first dedicated well, which reached a depth of 1200m in September, aimed at assessing potential CO2 storage. The drilling site is located in Pakri Barwadih, near a coal mining area in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand, and was finalized on November 15.
Significantly, a second well was initiated on December 21. The institute confirmed that both CO2 injection and plume monitoring activities utilizing these wells will be executed.
“As India approaches its net-zero commitments aligned with the 'Panchamrit' climate goals declared by the Prime Minister, the acceleration of indigenous scientific and technological advancements for the commercialization of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies will be vital for fulfilling 'Atmanirbhar' and 'Viksit' Bharat commitments,” stated Dr. V.K. Saraswat, Member of NITI Aayog.
“We must maintain a vigilant approach to subsurface characterization, conservative injection pressure limits, robust well design and sealing, as well as ongoing monitoring of pressure and seismicity,” added Saraswat, who also chairs the Advisory Committee at the DST-National Centre of Excellence (NCOE) in CCUS at IIT Bombay.
Gurdeep Singh, CMD of NTPC, referred to this accomplishment as a crucial step towards decarbonisation.
Prof. Shireesh Kedare, Director of IIT Bombay, highlighted the significance of translational R&D in shaping the roadmap for India's energy transition and decarbonisation efforts.
This project signifies a shift from laboratory research to field implementation, providing feasibility and risk assessments for large-scale CCS development, including a thorough analysis of storage complexes and a commercial development strategy.
Initial studies suggest a substantial geological CO2 storage potential in the North Karanpura coalfield, with the Pakri-Barwadih block indicating a capacity to inject up to 15.5 Mt over a decade-long injection phase.
It is noteworthy that in 2017, IIT Bombay and NTPC joined forces to develop India's first CO2 capture and utilization facility in the power sector, leading to the establishment of the Vindhyachal CCU plant, which captures 20 tonnes of CO2 daily and converts it into fuel-methane.
India's CCUS journey is being propelled through a focused mission approach, with the Ministry of Power acting as the nodal agency, supported by inter-ministerial collaboration to enhance CCUS technologies across challenging sectors.
Point of View
The completion of India's first CO2 storage well by IIT Bombay and NTPC represents a significant scientific and environmental milestone. This collaborative effort not only showcases India's commitment to sustainability but also highlights the crucial role of research and innovation in achieving climate goals. The move aligns with national interests in energy security and environmental preservation, reflecting a progressive approach to addressing global climate challenges.
NationPress
30/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the CO2 storage well?
The CO2 storage well represents India's first step towards assessing the viability of geological carbon dioxide storage, which is crucial for reducing greenhouse gas emissions and achieving net-zero targets.
Where is the CO2 storage well located?
The well is located in Pakri Barwadih, near a coal mining area in Hazaribagh, Jharkhand.
What technologies are being developed through this initiative?
The initiative focuses on Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) technologies, aiming to commercialize them for broader application across various sectors.
Who are the key stakeholders in this project?
The key stakeholders include IIT Bombay, NTPC, and NITI Aayog, which oversees the collaboration.
What potential does the North Karanpura coalfield hold?
Preliminary studies indicate that the North Karanpura coalfield has a high geological CO2 storage potential, with the Pakri-Barwadih block able to inject up to 15.5 Mt over a 10-year period.
