Daily Current Affairs : 19-September-2024

India is taking a significant step towards reducing its carbon emissions with the establishment of its first CO2-to-methanol pilot plant in Pune, Maharashtra. This project, set to be developed through a public-private partnership between IIT-Delhi and Thermax Limited, aims to advance Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies. The pilot plant will play a key role in helping India meet its climate goals and reduce its carbon footprint.

Advancing Carbon Capture and Utilisation

The primary objective of the CO2-to-methanol plant is to capture carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions and convert them into methanol, a valuable chemical used in various industries. This process is a major breakthrough in CCU technology, which focuses on capturing harmful CO2 emissions from the atmosphere and using them for productive purposes.

By utilizing CO2 to produce methanol, the plant not only helps reduce greenhouse gases but also creates an important raw material that can be used for fuel and industrial applications. The pilot plant will serve as a “living lab” for testing and refining these cutting-edge technologies, providing valuable data and insights for future advancements.

Supporting India’s Climate and Energy Goals

This initiative also ties into India’s broader efforts to reduce its dependence on crude oil imports. The government, through NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Petroleum, has set a target to blend 15% methanol into diesel, which can significantly lower fuel consumption and reduce harmful emissions. The CO2-to-methanol pilot plant will play a crucial role in meeting these energy goals.

Focus on Coal-Based Power Sectors

One of the major sectors contributing to India’s carbon emissions is the coal-based thermal power industry, which is responsible for nearly 30% of the country’s emissions. This project will explore the feasibility of scaling up CCU technologies to address emissions from these power plants, offering a sustainable solution to one of India’s largest environmental challenges.

Important Points:

  • India’s First CO2-to-Methanol Pilot Plant:
    • Set to be established in Pune, Maharashtra.
    • A collaboration between IIT-Delhi and Thermax Limited.
  • Purpose:
    • To advance Carbon Capture and Utilisation (CCU) technologies.
    • Aimed at reducing India’s carbon emissions and contributing to climate goals.
  • CCU Technologies:
    • The plant will capture CO2 emissions and convert them into methanol.
    • Methanol is a valuable chemical used in various industries, including fuel production.
  • Living Lab for Innovation:
    • The plant will act as a “living lab” to test and improve CO2 capture techniques.
    • It will provide valuable insights for scaling up CCU technologies.
  • Government Goals:
    • The project supports India’s goal of blending 15% methanol into diesel.
    • Aimed at reducing dependence on crude oil imports and lowering fuel consumption.
  • Impact on Coal-Based Power Sector:
    • The project explores the feasibility of using CCU technologies to reduce emissions from coal-based thermal power plants.
    • The coal sector accounts for 30% of India’s carbon emissions.
  • Broader Significance:
    • The initiative aligns with India’s efforts to combat climate change and reduce its carbon footprint.
    • It supports sustainable energy solutions and fosters innovation in carbon reduction technologies.

Why In News

India’s first CO2-to-methanol pilot plant is set to be established in Pune, Maharashtra, as part of a public-private partnership between IIT-Delhi and Thermax Limited, marking a significant milestone in the country’s efforts to combat climate change and promote sustainable energy solutions.

MCQs about India’s First CO2-to-Methanol Pilot Plant

  1. What is the primary purpose of India’s first CO2-to-methanol pilot plant in Pune?
    A. To reduce water usage in industrial processes
    B. To advance carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies
    C. To increase fuel consumption
    D. To improve coal mining practices
    Correct Answer: B. To advance carbon capture and utilization (CCU) technologies
    Explanation: The pilot plant is focused on capturing CO2 emissions and converting them into methanol, a process that advances CCU technologies to reduce carbon emissions and promote sustainability.
  2. Which partnership is responsible for establishing the CO2-to-methanol pilot plant in Pune?
    A. NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Petroleum
    B. IIT-Delhi and Thermax Limited
    C. Government of India and Indian Oil Corporation
    D. IIT-Mumbai and Reliance Industries
    Correct Answer: B. IIT-Delhi and Thermax Limited
    Explanation: The pilot plant is being developed through a public-private partnership between IIT-Delhi and Thermax Limited, which aims to foster innovation in carbon capture technologies.
  3. How does the CO2-to-methanol pilot plant support India’s energy goals?
    A. By increasing crude oil imports
    B. By reducing emissions from coal-based power plants
    C. By blending 15% methanol into diesel to reduce dependence on crude oil
    D. By exporting coal-based energy to other countries
    Correct Answer: C. By blending 15% methanol into diesel to reduce dependence on crude oil
    Explanation: The project supports India’s goal of blending 15% methanol into diesel, which helps reduce the country’s reliance on crude oil and promotes cleaner, more sustainable energy.
  4. What sector in India accounts for 30% of the country’s carbon emissions, which the CO2-to-methanol project aims to address?
    A. Agricultural sector
    B. Coal-based thermal power sector
    C. Transportation sector
    D. Industrial manufacturing sector
    Correct Answer: B. Coal-based thermal power sector
    Explanation: The coal-based thermal power sector is responsible for 30% of India’s carbon emissions, and the project will explore ways to reduce emissions from this sector through CCU technologies.

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