IIT Bombay and NTPC Drill India’s First CO2 Storage Well in Jharkhand
In a groundbreaking initiative for carbon capture and storage in India, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have successfully drilled the country’s first well dedicated to testing geological CO2 storage. This significant project is a major step forward in advancing Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technology, which is essential for supporting emissions reduction and achieving national net-zero goals.
Project Overview
The CO2 storage well was drilled in the Pakri Barwadih region of Jharkhand, an area known for its active coal mining operations. The drilling commenced in September 2025 and reached a depth of 1,200 meters, with completion on November 15, 2025. Following the success of this initial well, a second well was initiated on December 21, 2025, to facilitate further injection and monitoring activities.
Collaboration and Research
This pioneering project is the result of a collaboration that began in November 2022, under the auspices of NITI Aayog. The partnership brings together NTPC’s research and development arm, the NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA), and IIT Bombay’s Department of Earth Sciences. A key outcome of this collaboration is the development of India’s first geological storage atlas, which maps methane-rich coalfields and estimates the CO2 storage potential across four major coalfields using detailed layer-by-layer simulations supported by experimental data.
Significance of the Project
The successful drilling of the CO2 storage well is seen as a crucial milestone for India’s ambitions to achieve net-zero emissions. Dr. V.K. Saraswat, a member of NITI Aayog and Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the DST-National Centre of Excellence in CCUS at IIT Bombay, emphasized the project’s importance in relation to India’s Panchamrit climate goals. He highlighted the necessity for indigenous technology development, as well as the careful monitoring of underground conditions, injection pressures, well safety, and seismic activity.
Statements from Key Leaders
NTPC Chairman and Managing Director Gurdeep Singh remarked that this achievement is a vital step in the company’s decarbonisation roadmap. He expressed confidence that the project would contribute significantly to reducing carbon emissions in the energy sector. IIT Bombay Director Prof. Shireesh Kedare noted that the initiative underscores the critical role of applied research in shaping India’s energy transition towards more sustainable practices.
Potential for CO2 Storage
Project lead Prof. Vikram Vishal indicated that early studies suggest a high potential for CO2 storage in the Pakri Barwadih block, with estimates indicating the capacity to store up to 15.5 million tonnes of CO2 over a ten-year period. This capacity is essential for large-scale carbon storage solutions that can significantly mitigate greenhouse gas emissions.
Future Steps and Feasibility Studies
Following the successful drilling, the project will now move forward with detailed feasibility studies, risk assessments, and the development of a commercial plan for large-scale carbon storage. This initiative is part of India’s broader CCUS programme, which is being implemented in mission mode by the Ministry of Power and is supported by multiple governmental ministries. The goal is to accelerate the country’s path towards achieving its net-zero targets.
Conclusion
The drilling of India’s first CO2 storage well marks a significant advancement in the country’s efforts to combat climate change through innovative technology. By integrating research and practical applications, NTPC and IIT Bombay are setting a precedent for future initiatives in carbon capture and storage. This project not only aligns with global climate goals but also demonstrates India’s commitment to reducing emissions and transitioning to a more sustainable energy landscape.
Note: The information presented in this article is based on data available as of October 2023 and reflects ongoing developments in the field of carbon capture and storage in India.
