Strategic Initiatives at CSTEP strives to find solutions to two major challenges that we face today: the achievement of a sustainable and secure future and the facilitation of the clean energy transition. In pursuit of this, we conduct extensive technology and policy research on energy resources, critical raw materials, and advanced agricultural technologies via rigorous research, modelling, and analysis. Achieving circular economy is another crucial aspect we are exploring to secure a sustainable future.
Can reducing emissions be the key to boosting dairy industry’s productivity?
India is home to 126 million productive cows and buffaloes, making the country the topmost milk producer in the world. Yet, as mentioned in the February 2024 Budget Session, milk productivity or milk production per animal remains low. As per the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations, Indian breeds produce an average of 1,550 litres of milk per year, as against 10,000 litres of milk per year produced by those in the United States and Canada.
Green urea can boost decarbonisation while reducing India’s import dependency
Urea is among the most consumed chemicals in India—as an indispensable fertiliser in agriculture, and, thereafter, as an important raw material for producing plastics, and nutrient feed for cattle. In the conventional process of urea production, natural gas is the primary source of hydrogen and carbon dioxide that are used as raw materials. According to Energy Statistics India, fertiliser production accounts for 32% of India’s total annual natural gas consumption.
Carbon-to-chemicals: A techno-commercial assessment
Carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) is an innovative concept that involves converting carbon dioxide (CO₂) captured from point sources of emission or the air into value-added products. It has been gaining considerable attention lately for its role in realising a circular economy. In this context, our study aimed to examine the techno-economics of producing methanol and urea from the captured CO₂, while also evaluating the implications of producing these chemicals domestically, instead of importing them.
Harnessing carbon capture to boost India’s methanol energy security and economy
India has an ambitious goal of adding 450 GW of renewable energy by 2030. According to the Central Electricity Authority, the country has 147 GW of installed capacity as of May 2024. We must add 50 GW per annum in the next 6 years to meet the target set for 2030. Any shortfall is likely to be met by coal, complicating our emission reduction goals. Therefore, the exploration of alternatives that can complement mainstream renewable energy options is not just a choice but a necessity.