The Multi-Billion Dollar Question

“A plant in Tamil Nadu now sucks CO2 from the air to make diamonds. But can it scale before the coasts drown?” This question hangs heavy over the Global South, where the dual imperatives of economic development and climate resilience collide. As nations like India grapple with their reliance on fossil fuels, particularly coal, the allure of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies grows. Yet, alongside these large-scale industrial projects, direct air capture (DAC) startups are emerging, promising a more distributed and potentially sustainable approach. The multi-billion dollar question is: can these technologies truly save the Global South, or are they merely a lifeline for fossil fuel industries, delaying the inevitable transition to renewables?

India’s Coal CCS Projects: A Complex and Costly Undertaking

India, with its vast coal reserves and rapidly expanding energy needs, is exploring CCS as a means to mitigate the environmental impact of its fossil fuel consumption. Projects are underway to capture CO2 emissions from coal-fired power plants and industrial facilities, storing the captured carbon underground or utilizing it for enhanced oil recovery. These projects often entail significant engineering complexities, requiring specialized infrastructure for capturing, transporting, and storing CO2. The geological suitability for long-term storage is also a crucial factor, requiring extensive site assessments and monitoring.

However, the viability of CCS in India faces significant challenges. The technology is expensive, requiring substantial upfront investments and ongoing operational costs. Estimates suggest that the cost of capturing and storing CO2 from a coal-fired power plant can significantly increase the cost of electricity generation. Moreover, the geological suitability for CO2 storage varies across the country, and there are concerns about the long-term safety and stability of underground storage sites, including the potential for leaks and seismic activity.

Furthermore, critics argue that CCS provides a false sense of security, allowing fossil fuel industries to continue operating while delaying the transition to renewable energy sources. They contend that investments in CCS would be better directed towards solar, wind, and other clean energy technologies, which are becoming increasingly cost-competitive and offer a more sustainable long-term solution.

Direct Air Capture: An Emerging but Uncertain Frontier

In contrast to large-scale CCS projects, direct air capture (DAC) startups are developing technologies to remove CO2 directly from the atmosphere. These technologies offer the potential for a more distributed and potentially sustainable approach to carbon removal, as they are not tied to specific point sources of emissions.

For example, a pilot plant in Tamil Nadu is utilizing DAC technology to capture CO2 and convert it into synthetic diamonds, demonstrating the potential for innovative applications of captured carbon. However, the scalability and cost-effectiveness of these technologies remain uncertain. DAC technologies are currently significantly more expensive than conventional CCS, and their energy requirements can be substantial, potentially leading to increased emissions if not powered by renewable energy sources.

Moreover, the long-term environmental impacts of large-scale DAC deployment are not yet fully understood. Concerns include the potential for land use conflicts, water consumption, and the release of other pollutants during the capture process.

The Significant Investment Question: A High-Stakes Gamble

The global investment in carbon capture technologies is substantial, with billions of dollars being poured into research, development, and deployment. However, the success of these technologies in mitigating climate change, especially in the context of the Global South, remains a high-stakes question. Technical challenges, economic viability, and public acceptance are all crucial factors that will determine their ultimate impact.

A crucial consideration is the timeframe. Even if CCS and DAC technologies prove to be technically and economically viable, their large-scale deployment will take time. The urgent need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions means that relying solely on these technologies could be a risky gamble, potentially delaying the necessary transition to a low-carbon economy and leaving the Global South disproportionately exposed.

The Global South’s Precarious Position

For the Global South, the stakes are particularly high. Nations in this region are disproportionately vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, including rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and water scarcity, which can exacerbate existing social and economic vulnerabilities. They also face the challenge of balancing economic development with climate action, often relying on fossil fuels to drive industrial growth and meet energy demands.

The question is, can carbon capture technologies provide a lifeline for these nations, allowing them to continue using fossil fuels while mitigating their environmental impact? Or will they merely delay the inevitable transition to renewables, leaving the Global South even more vulnerable to the consequences of climate change, and trapping these nations in a high-carbon development pathway?

A Bridge or a Lifeline? A Call for Strategic Investment

The role of carbon capture technologies in the Global South’s climate strategy remains a subject of intense debate. Some argue that they are a necessary evil, providing a means to mitigate the impact of existing fossil fuel infrastructure while transitioning to renewables. Others contend that they are a dangerous distraction, diverting resources and attention away from the urgent need to phase out fossil fuels.

A Path Towards Sustainable Development

The multi-billion dollar question cannot be answered with a simple yes or no. The potential of carbon capture technologies to support the Global South’s climate goals depends on a complex interplay of factors, including technological advancements, economic viability, and political will.

Ultimately, the Global South needs a balanced approach that invests strategically in both carbon capture and renewable energy technologies. It needs to prioritize the development of clean energy sources, such as solar, wind, and hydropower, while exploring carbon capture as a means to mitigate the impact of existing fossil fuel infrastructure. This approach requires careful planning, strategic investments, and robust policy frameworks to ensure a sustainable and resilient future for its people.

 Arhan Bagati is a youth leader from Kashmir and the founder of KYARI, a non-profit organization addressing critical issues in the region. He is also the Awareness and Impact Ambassador for the Paralympic Committee of India and is currently pursuing a Master’s in Public Policy at the John F. Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University. His commitment to social change was recently further acknowledged when Hindustan Times named him a 30 Under 30 – Social Impact Leader.