NTPC has initiated drilling for India’s first-ever carbon dioxide (CO2) injection borewell at its Pakri Barwadih coal mine in Jharkhand, marking a pivotal step in the country's carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) strategy.

Spearheaded by NTPC's research arm, NTPC Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA), this groundbreaking project aligns with India's goal to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. The borewell, which will reach a depth of 1,200 mtrs., aims to assess the potential of rock formations for safe and long-term CO2 storage. The project will involve detailed studies, including core, methane, and water simulations, to ensure effective CO2 sequestration.

This initiative is part of NTPC’s broader CCUS program to develop scalable carbon capture technologies for India’s power and industrial sectors. As the country’s largest integrated power utility, NTPC continues to lead the way in advancing sustainable energy solutions, with 30.9 GW under construction and a target of 60 GW of renewable capacity by 2032.