In Short : India’s carbon market strategy is increasingly focusing on durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR), a key tool for long-term emissions reduction. With initiatives like biochar production and enhanced weathering, India aims to remove 900 million tonnes of CO₂ annually. Challenges remain in verifying CDR technology, but with supportive policies and innovation, India could become a leader in global carbon removal efforts.
In Detail : India’s carbon market strategy is evolving to incorporate durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies, which focus on actively removing CO₂ from the atmosphere and storing it permanently. This approach differs from traditional emission reductions by ensuring that the carbon remains sequestered over the long term, making it a vital component in the country’s climate action plan.
The Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE) is working on regulations to integrate durable CDR into India’s compliance carbon market. These regulations aim to boost the credibility and effectiveness of carbon credits, enhancing India’s ability to meet its climate goals through carbon trading schemes. The CCTS, which is designed to facilitate the trading of carbon credits, will play a key role in these efforts.
According to the Carbon Removal India Alliance (CRIA), India has the potential to remove up to 900 million tonnes of CO₂ annually, representing a significant portion of global durable atmospheric CDR. To achieve this, India will need to leverage its natural resources, develop technological innovations, and implement supportive policies that encourage the adoption of CDR methods.
Several initiatives are already in motion. For example, Google has partnered with the Indian supplier Varaha to purchase carbon credits generated by converting agricultural waste into biochar. This partnership highlights the potential of using waste materials for durable CDR. Additionally, collaborations between European carbon removal specialists and Indian businesses are focusing on technologies like biochar production and enhanced weathering.
Despite these advancements, challenges remain. One of the major hurdles is ensuring the durability and permanence of CDR technologies. To build trust in these initiatives, it is essential to establish robust monitoring, reporting, and verification (MRV) systems that can reliably measure the effectiveness of carbon removal and ensure that it delivers long-term climate benefits.
In conclusion, integrating durable CDR into India’s carbon market strategy offers a promising path toward achieving net-zero emissions. With continued innovation, rigorous standards, and scalable projects, India has the potential to become a global leader in carbon removal efforts and help combat climate change more effectively.
