India’s First Underground CO₂ Storage Project | DGMS Notes
India’s First Underground CO₂ Storage Drilling Project (Clean Energy)Mining Geology for Climate Action
1. Introduction
India has taken a significant step towards clean energy transition and climate action by successfully completing its first underground geological CO₂ storage drilling project. This project demonstrates how mining geology can be used beyond coal extraction to support environmental sustainability.
2. Implementing Agencies
IIT Bombay
NTPC
The project was implemented in coalbed methane (CBM)–rich coalfields of Jharkhand.
Objective: Long-term and safe storage of carbon dioxide to reduce emissions
4. Why Coal Seams Are Suitable for CO₂ Storage Coal seams are ideal for CO₂ storage because:
They have microporous structures capable of adsorbing CO₂
CO₂ has higher adsorption affinity than methane
Injection of CO₂ can displace methane (known as Enhanced Coalbed Methane – ECBM)
Deep or unmineable coal seams can be reused without affecting active mining
5. Technology Used
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) Captured CO₂ from industrial or power sources is compressed and injected into deep coal-bearing formations for permanent geological storage.
6. Importance of the Project
First CO₂ underground storage drilling project in India
Supports India’s decarbonisation and net-zero commitments
Shows the future role of mining engineers in climate mitigation
Enables productive use of exhausted or unmineable coalfields
Aligns coal-based power sector with clean energy goals
7. Relevance for DGMS & Mining Exams This topic is important for:
Mining Current Affairs
Mine Environment & Sustainability
Climate Change and Clean Energy
Role of Mining Geology in Environmental Protection
Likely questions:
Use of coal seams for CO₂ storage
Meaning of CCS and ECBM
Role of mining engineers in decarbonisation
8. Advantages
Reduces greenhouse gas emissions
Enhances sustainability of coal mining sector
Utilises abandoned coal seams effectively
Improves environmental image of mining industry
9. Challenges / Limitations
Long-term monitoring of CO₂ leakage
High cost of CCS technology
Need for clear regulatory framework
Requirement of skilled manpower and monitoring systems
10. Quick One-Liners (Revision Points)
India’s first CO₂ storage drilling project uses coal geology.
Implemented by IIT Bombay and NTPC.
Located in CBM-rich coalfields of Jharkhand.
Storage potential is 15.5 million tonnes of CO₂.
Duration of storage is 10 years.
Coal seams adsorb CO₂ efficiently.
ECBM involves displacement of methane by CO₂.
Project supports India’s net-zero goals.
CCS converts mining geology into climate solution.
India’s first underground geological CO₂ storage drilling project was completed in coalbed methane–rich coalfields of Jharkhand by IIT Bombay and NTPC. The project aims to store approximately 15.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide over a period of ten years using deep coal-bearing formations. Coal seams are suitable for CO₂ storage due to their microporous structure and high adsorption capacity. The project demonstrates the application of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology and highlights the role of mining geology in climate action, decarbonisation, and sustainable development. It marks an important milestone in India’s clean energy transition and mining environmental management.
12. One-Line Final Conclusion India’s first underground CO₂ storage drilling project proves that mining geology can play a crucial role in decarbonisation by safely storing carbon dioxide in coal seams.
1. What is Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)?Answer: Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is a technology in which carbon dioxide (CO₂) generated from industrial processes or power plants is captured, compressed, transported, and permanently stored in deep underground geological formations to prevent its release into the atmosphere.
2. Why are coal seams suitable for CO₂ storage?
Answer: Coal seams are suitable for CO₂ storage because they have a microporous structure and high adsorption capacity, which allows CO₂ to be strongly adsorbed onto the coal matrix. CO₂ has a higher adsorption affinity than methane, making deep or unmineable coal seams ideal for long-term and safe CO₂ storage.
3. What is ECBM?
Answer: ECBM stands for Enhanced Coalbed Methane. It is a process in which CO₂ is injected into coal seams to displace methane gas, thereby enhancing methane recovery while simultaneously storing CO₂ in the coal seam.
4. Name India’s first CO₂ underground storage project and its location.
Answer: India’s first underground CO₂ storage drilling project was carried out in coalbed methane-rich coalfields of Jharkhand, jointly by IIT Bombay and NTPC.
5. What is the role of mining geology in climate action?
Answer: Mining geology plays an important role in climate action by identifying suitable geological formations such as coal seams for CO₂ storage, enabling carbon capture and storage projects, supporting mine reclamation, and helping reduce greenhouse gas emissions through sustainable and environmentally responsible mining practices.
Launch your Graphy