International Conference on Carbon Capture and Utilization (ICCCU-24): A Platform to Sustainability and Net-Zero Goals
Sebastian C. Peter
Abstract
Research (JNCASR), Bengaluru, emerged as a pivotal platform for addressing CO 2 mitigation and advancing solutions toward sustainability. 1This conference was organized by the National Centre for Carbon Capture and Utilization (NCCCU) at JNCASR, one of the first Centres of Excellence (CoE) on Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) in India with a generous support of Department of Science and Technology (DST).This conference was planned with an intend to expedite shifting to a lowcarbon economy by exchanging best practices, emerging technologies, and successful case studies emphasizing pragmatic solutions and interdisciplinary collaboration.This conference aims to unite scientists, engineers, innovators, policymakers, stakeholders in CCU, and leaders in a cooperative effort to address the issues of CO 2 emissions and climate change, promoting practical solutions for a sustainable future.By fostering collaboration among academia, industry, and policymakers, the conference underscored the critical role of CCU in achieving India's ambitious net-zero emissions target by 2070.The major themes of the conference were Carbon Capture and Carbon Utilization (Figure 1).The ICCCU-24 convenor, Sebastian C Peter (JNCASR), pointed out in the opening session that "CCU is an important research activity as it can help reduce emissions and contribute to global decarbonization ef forts. The cross-disciplinary training through the ICCCU-2024 will develop a deep understanding and problem-oriented approach in next-generation researchers working in dif ferent dimensions of CCU".The first approach focused on theoretical studies, providing a fundamental background for CCU chemistry.Biswarup Pathak (IIT Indore), Ali Haider (IIT Delhi), and Vidya Avasare (Ashoka University) extensively discussed their computational explorations of CO 2 behavior through various pathways. 2,3Soujanya Yarasi (CSIR-IICT) highlighted how quantum mechanical (QM) methods integrated with AI/ML techniques can predict the adsorption and interaction behaviors of amine solvents and solid adsorbent materials, enabling the optimization of CO 2 capture processes. 4