The Government has recently launched the country’s first R&D Roadmap to support India’s Net Zero targets through Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS). Prepared by the Department of Science and Technology (DST), the roadmap was unveiled on 2 December 2025 by Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India.

Prof. Sood described the roadmap as a key guide for coordinated climate action, helping accelerate technology deployment, reduce carbon emissions and strengthen India’s position as a responsible global partner. He said the framework aligns with national sustainability objectives and the vision of Viksit Bharat@2047.

DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar highlighted the department’s leadership in advancing CCUS research, noting that the roadmap balances maturing existing technologies for commercial readiness with supporting breakthrough science. He emphasised the need for enabling frameworks such as skilled manpower, regulatory standards and early shared infrastructure. He added that initiatives under the Rs 1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Scheme will bolster private-sector-led innovation in industrial decarbonisation.

CCUS has emerged as a critical pathway for reducing emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as power, cement and steel. DST has taken a lead role by supporting translational R&D and establishing CCUS test beds in real industrial settings through public–private partnerships.

Drawing on seven years of experience, the roadmap provides strategic guidance on thematic priorities, funding pathways and infrastructure needs. Officials including Dr Ashish Lele, Dr Anita Gupta and Dr Neelima Alam outlined ongoing national, bilateral and multilateral interventions and the establishment of three National Centres of Excellence in CCUS.

The launch event saw participation from academia, industry, policymakers, international partners and representatives from sectors including energy, manufacturing, steel, cement and technology.