In order to sustain economic growth, India needs adequate power. Themajority of this power will be generated from fossil fuels particularly coal ofmedium to low quality. Indeed, the power sector is the largest consumer ofcoal in India, accounting for 70% of total consumption.

However, global and domestic concern over climate change and the emissionof greenhouse gases (GHG) continues to grow.

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology has the potential tosignificantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions from fossil fuel power stations.Demonstration projects are currently planned in the UK, Europe, USA,Australia and China.

As a member of international initiatives, such as Carbon SequestrationLeadership Forum, India needs to examine carbon abatement in a domesticcontext and develop its own strategy for technologies such as CCS. Thedevelopment of supporting policies and regulation also needs to beconsidered.

The technologies used in CCS may make it possible to reduce emissions andearn carbon credits at the same time. They may also provide a number ofbusinesses and export opportunities.