CONTENTS

1. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
2. Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

Context:

A two day workshop was held on the “Legal & Regulatory Frameworks and Technical Considerations for Carbon Capture Utilization and Storage (CCUS)” on 22nd -23rd August 2024 at The Oberoi, New Delhi.

Relevance:

GS III: Environment and Ecology

Dimensions of the Article:

1. Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
2. Significance of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
3. Benefits and Applications of CCUS

Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

• CCUS encompasses a set of technologies and processes designed to address carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions originating from significant point sources like power plants, industrial facilities, and refineries.
• The core aim of CCUS is to prevent the release of CO2 into the atmosphere, representing a crucial strategy for mitigating greenhouse gas emissions in various industries.

Key Steps in CCUS Implementation

Capture Process:

• This step involves seizing CO2 emissions at their source before they are released.
• Various capture methods are employed, such as post-combustion capture, pre-combustion capture, and oxy-fuel combustion.

Transportation:

• This stage encompasses the movement of compressed CO2, either by ship or pipeline, from the point of capture to the storage site.

Storage:

• The transported CO2 finds its storage in underground geological formations, which may include depleted oil and gas fields or deep saline aquifers.

Utilization:

• After capture, CO2 can be repurposed in various applications instead of being released into the atmosphere.
• Utilization can involve incorporating CO2 into industrial processes, such as the production of chemicals or fuels.

Significance of Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)

Policy Emphasis:

• The NITI Aayog’s report, ‘Policy Framework and Deployment Mechanism for Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage in India,’ underscores CCUS as a pivotal strategy for emission reduction, particularly in challenging sectors.
• Hard-to-abate industries, including steel, cement, and petrochemicals, benefit significantly from CCUS interventions.

Global Imperative:

• The IPCC highlights the indispensability of CCUS technologies in achieving global net zero emissions, emphasizing its role as a crucial deployment mechanism.

Benefits and Applications of CCUS

• Grid Flexibility:
  • Incorporating CCUS into the energy mix enhances flexibility in the energy grid.
• Low-Carbon Energy Production:
  • CCUS facilitates the production of low-carbon electricity and hydrogen, with the latter serving as a direct substitute for fossil fuels.
  • This diversity contributes to energy security, aligning with the priorities of governments worldwide.

Applications of CCUS in Industries

• Concrete and Cement Industry:
  • CCUS technology captures CO2 emitted during the firing of limestone and clay in the concrete and cement industry.
  • Recovered CO2 is injected into concrete mixtures, enhancing strength and durability through a process known as carbonation.
• Synthetic Gas Production:
  • CCUS serves as a source of CO2 for synthetic gas production, a crucial component for the further production of bio-jet fuel, supporting sustainable aviation fuel initiatives.
• Fine Chemicals Industry:
  • CCUS is employed in the fine chemicals industry by capturing CO2, blending it with biomass, and transforming it into oxygenated compounds like high-functional plastics.
• Infrastructure Utilization:
  • CCUS enables industries to continue using existing infrastructure, such as power plants and manufacturing facilities, reducing the need for significant capital investments in new, low-carbon alternatives.

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan

Context:

With an aim of reaching out to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTG) habitations and PVTG families in 194 districts across the country, the Union Ministry of Tribal Affairs is running a nationwide Information, Education and Communication (IEC) campaign and Beneficiary Saturation Camps for the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha AbhiyaN (PM-JANMAN), from 23rd August, 2024 till 10th September, 2024.

Relevance:

GS II: Government policies and Interventions

Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM JANMAN): Empowering Tribal Communities

Comprehensive Scheme:

• PM JANMAN, comprising Central Sector and Centrally Sponsored Schemes, is a holistic initiative targeting 11 critical interventions through nine ministries, with a particular focus on the Ministry of Tribal Affairs.

Key Interventions:

• Aims to address 11 critical interventions, including permanent housing, road connectivity, piped water supply, mobile medical units, hostel construction, ‘Anganwadi’ facilities, and skill development centers.

Additional Ministries’ Involvement:

• Beyond the 11 critical interventions, other ministries contribute to the mission’s success.
  • Ministry of Ayush:
    • Establishes Ayush Wellness Centres based on existing norms.
    • Extends Ayush facilities to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations through Mobile Medical Units.
  • Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship:
    • Facilitates skill and vocational training in PVTG habitations, multipurpose centers, and hostels, aligning with the specific skills of these communities.