The Hindu: Published on 9th Oct 2025.
Why in News?
A new report by Climate Analytics, released ahead of the Japan CCS Summit (Oct 15–16, 2025), warns that Asia’s growing dependence on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) could add nearly 25 billion tonnes of CO₂ emissions by 2050 — undermining global climate goals under the Paris Agreement (1.5°C target).
Background:
CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) is a technology designed to capture carbon dioxide emissions from industrial and energy sources and store them underground.
Several Asian economies — China, India, Japan, South Korea, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Singapore, and Australia — are actively exploring CCS as part of their decarbonization strategies.
However, global experience has shown that CCS projects often underperform, are costly, and sometimes used to enhance oil recovery (EOR) rather than reduce emissions.
Key Findings of the Report:
Emission Risks:
Asia’s high-CCS scenario could emit 24.9 gigatonnes (bn tonnes) of additional CO₂ by 2050.
This equals the combined fossil fuel emissions of South Korea and Australia.
Economic Risks:
High dependence on CCS could lead to $30 trillion in extra global costs by 2050 compared to a low-CCS renewable pathway.
Performance Risks:
Current CCS systems capture only around 50% of CO₂, well below the required 95% efficiency for meaningful climate benefit.
80% of existing CCS projects are used for oil recovery, not emission reduction.
India’s Specific Context:
India’s CCS infrastructure is minimal with no major operational projects.
To adopt CCS, India would need $4.3 billion in government support.
India’s renewable energy progress (solar, wind, green hydrogen, EVs) provides a cheaper and scalable alternative.
The report suggests redirecting funds from CCS toward zero-emission technologies in “hard-to-abate” sectors like steel and cement.
Implications for Asia:
Economic Lock-in: Heavy investment in CCS could tie countries to fossil fuel infrastructure, delaying renewable transitions.
Competitiveness Risk: Renewable power with storage is already cheaper than CCS-based power in most Asian countries.
Policy Risk: Governments (Japan, South Korea, Australia) promoting CCS may face future stranded assets if global energy markets shift toward renewables.
Expert Views:
Bill Hare (CEO, Climate Analytics):
“Asia is at a crossroads — CCS policies risk locking economies into fossil fuel paths, threatening both climate targets and economic stability.”
James Bowen (Lead Author):
“CCS may divert resources away from proven low-cost solutions such as renewables and electrification.”
Alternatives Suggested:
Pursue low-CCS pathways with focus on:
Renewables (solar, wind, hydro)
Electrification of industries
Energy efficiency & innovation
Green hydrogen technologies
Impact & Way Forward:
- For Global Climate Goals: High-CCS adoption could derail the 1.5°C target by adding billions of tonnes of CO₂.
- For India: The nation can become a model for low-cost clean energy transition by prioritizing renewables over CCS.
- For Policy Makers: Need to reassess whether CCS is a genuine solution or a fossil fuel lifeline in disguise.
