STORY CREDITS
Writer: Vanajakshi B.H.
Photo: Diptanka Sekhar De
The Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN) is set to host a prestigious international ‘EAGE workshop on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in Basalts’ on February 3 & 4, 2025, on its campus. This event will bring together eminent delegates from NITI Aayog, various government agencies, industry leaders, and academicians from across the globe to discuss innovative approaches for commercial subsurface carbon storage in basalt formations.
This workshop will delve into key research themes focusing on the Indian context, particularly the Deccan Traps, which hold immense potential for CO2 storage. With an estimated theoretical capacity of up to 316 gigatons, the Deccan Traps could play a pivotal role in India’s carbon management strategy. The conference will address the geological characteristics of basalts, their suitability for carbon sequestration, and the associated technical, economic, and policy challenges.
Keynote addresses by globally renowned experts will set the stage for insightful discussions:
- Dr Vijay Kumar Saraswat, Hon’ble Member, NITI Aayog, Government of India (Chief Guest)
- Dr Sigurður Reynir Gíslason, Research Professor, Geochemistry, University of Iceland
- Prof Peter Kelemen, Professor, Columbia University
- Prof Ralf Haese, Professor, The University of Melbourne
- Prof Eric H Oelkers, Adjunct Professor, University of Iceland
- Dr. Raymond Duraiswami, Associate Professor, Savitribai Phule Pune University
- Dr. Saikat Chatterjee, Senior Principal Engineer – Energy & Materials Innovation, Dastur Energy
There are two Pannel discussions to enrich the event:
The first day of the conference will feature a panel discussion titled “Accelerating CCS in India: R&D, Policy, and Deployment.” Prof Vikram Vishal (IIT Bombay) will moderate this session that will have senior experts from key organisations, including NITI Aayog, Department of Science & Technology (DST), Reliance Industries Limited, Directorate General of Hydrocarbons (MPNG), and University of Iceland. The discussion will focus on the advancements, policy frameworks, and strategies required to enhance the deployment of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technologies in India.
On the second day, the spotlight will shift to “CCS in Basalts as a Game Changer,” a session moderated by Prof Ralf Haese from The University of Melbourne. This panel will feature prominent experts from Savitribai Phule Pune University, Ministry of Earth Sciences, Government of India, Columbia University and industry. The discussion will explore the transformative potential of basalt formations for CCS and their role in addressing global carbon management challenges.
Furthermore, a two-day field visit will be organised on February 5 & 6, 2025, to observe the Deccan Volcanic Traps in Gujarat. Participants will explore basalt outcrops to examine their near-surface architecture and flow heterogeneities, essential for understanding CO2 storage potential.
The conference aims to foster global collaborations and chart a roadmap for implementing commercial-scale CCS in basalt formations, contributing significantly to greenhouse gas reduction efforts.
This event is being organised by EAGE, funded by DST and ONGC, and hosted and co-hosted by IIT Gandhinagar and IIT Bombay respectively.