India: The Department of Science and Technology (DST) has launched five carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) testbeds in the cement sector, forming a research and innovation cluster to help accelerate industrial decarbonisation. The five testbeds are collaborative industrial pilot projects between Indian research institutions and local cement manufacturers under a public-private partnership model. The testbeds aim to help India reach carbon neutrality by 2070.
Each testbed targets a specific CCU approach. Testbed 1, in partnership with JK Cement in Ballabhgarh, will be a pilot plant capable of capturing 2t/day of CO₂ and converting it into lightweight blocks and olefins through oxygen calcination. Testbed 2, by IIT Kanpur and JSW Cement, will explore CO₂ mineralisation. Testbed-3, with IIT Bombay and Dalmia Cement, will develop catalyst-based capture at a cement plant. Testbed-4, by CSIR-IIP, IIT Tirupati, IISc and JSW Cement, will use vacuum swing adsorption technology. Testbed-5, with IIT Madras, BITS Pilani Goa and UltraTech Cement, will focus on carbon-lowering process innovations.
