India’s First CO2-to-Methanol Pilot Plant in Pune

September 25, 2024

India has taken a major step towards combating climate change with the development of its first CO2-to-methanol pilot plant, focusing on Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies. This initiative reflects India’s dedication to sustainable practices and reducing carbon emissions.

Project Overview

The pilot plant is located at Thermax Limited in Pune, Maharashtra, and can process 1.4 tonnes of CO2 per day. This plant is one of the first of its kind in India, aiming to capture carbon dioxide and convert it into methanol, a useful chemical. The project showcases India’s pioneering efforts in carbon reduction technology.

Key Stakeholders

This project is a joint effort between the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Delhi and Thermax Limited, funded as a Public-Private Partnership (PPP). The involvement of both academic and industrial partners highlights the collaborative approach to tackling carbon emissions. The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has shown strong support, with officials attending the foundation ceremony to back the project.

Financial Aspects

The pilot plant costs an estimated ₹31 crore (approximately USD 3.7 million), funded by the DST under the Ministry of Science and Technology. This investment represents India’s commitment to developing home-grown technologies for carbon capture and sustainable solutions.

Significance of the Initiative

Abhay Karandikar, Secretary of the DST, emphasized that the pilot plant serves as a transformative platform for advancing India’s own carbon capture technologies. This project not only aims to reduce carbon emissions but also supports the development of innovative solutions that can be scaled up in the future.

Alignment with National Goals

The initiative aligns with India’s Panchamrit target, announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the COP 26 climate summit. The Panchamrit framework outlines India’s goals to cut carbon emissions and promote sustainable development. By investing in technologies like CO2-to-methanol conversion, India is actively working towards these climate commitments and setting an example for carbon management.

This project is a significant milestone in India’s efforts to mitigate climate change, demonstrating the country’s proactive stance on environmental protection and technological innovation.

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