IIT Bombay, NTPC Drill India’s First CO2 Storage
In a significant advancement for carbon capture and storage technology in India, the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC) and the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay have successfully completed the drilling of India’s first well aimed at testing the feasibility of storing carbon dioxide (CO2) deep underground. This initiative marks a pivotal milestone in the field of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).
Understanding Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS)
CCUS is a technology designed to mitigate greenhouse gas emissions by capturing carbon dioxide produced from various sources, preventing it from entering the atmosphere. The captured CO2 can either be stored permanently deep underground or converted into reusable products such as fuels or building materials. This technology plays a crucial role in global efforts to combat climate change.
Collaboration and Project Background
The collaboration between NTPC and IIT Bombay commenced in November 2022, under the guidance of NITI Aayog. The project brought together NETRA (NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance), which is the research and development wing of NTPC, and the Department of Earth Sciences at IIT Bombay.
As part of this initiative, the teams developed India’s first geological storage atlas, which identifies and maps methane-rich coalfields across the country. This atlas includes detailed, layer-by-layer simulation results, supported by experimental data, to estimate the potential for storing CO2 in four major coalfields within India.
Drilling Operations
Building on the groundwork laid by the geological storage atlas, NTPC and IIT Bombay launched India’s first dedicated drilling operation for potential CO2 storage in September 2025. The drilling operation took place at Pakri Barwadih, located near an active coal mining area in Jharkhand. The well reached a depth of 1,200 meters and was completed on November 15, 2025. Following this, a second well was initiated on December 21, 2025.
The project team plans to conduct CO2 injection and monitor the movement of the injected gas using these two wells. This step is critical for understanding the behavior of CO2 in geological formations and ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the storage process.
Significance of the Project
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 importance of this achievement. He stated that it comes at a crucial time as India strives to meet its net-zero targets under the Panchamrit climate goals. He highlighted the necessity of developing indigenous technologies for commercial deployment and underscored the need for meticulous monitoring of underground conditions, injection pressure, well safety, and seismic activity.
NTPC Chairman and Managing Director Gurdeep Singh remarked that this accomplishment is a significant step in the country’s decarbonization efforts. The Director of IIT Bombay, Prof. Shireesh Kedare, noted that the project exemplifies the role of applied research in shaping India’s energy transition.
Potential for CO2 Storage
Project lead Prof. Vikram Vishal indicated that the initiative represents a shift from laboratory research to field-level implementation. Preliminary studies suggest a high CO2 storage potential in the North Karanpura coalfield, with the Pakri Barwadih block alone capable of storing up to 15.5 million tonnes of CO2 over a 10-year period.
The findings from this project will contribute to detailed feasibility studies, risk assessments, and a commercial development plan for large-scale carbon storage in India.
India’s Commitment to Carbon Capture
India’s CCUS program is advancing in mission mode, with the Ministry of Power serving as the nodal agency. This initiative is supported by multiple ministries and aims to help reduce emissions while moving closer to the country’s net-zero goals. The successful drilling and subsequent studies will play a vital role in informing and shaping policy and technological advancements in carbon management.
Conclusion
The collaboration between IIT Bombay and NTPC represents a landmark achievement in India’s efforts to combat climate change through innovative technology. As the country continues to explore and implement carbon capture and storage solutions, this project will serve as a foundational step towards achieving a sustainable and environmentally friendly energy future.
Note: This article is based on developments reported as of December 30, 2025, and reflects the ongoing advancements in carbon capture and storage technology in India.
