Department of Science & Technology (DST) under its Inter – Sectoral Science & Technology Division (IS-STAC) had initiated a National Programme on CO2 Sequestration Research. In this context proposals are invited from recognized public institutions for consideration of support. Genesis: The geneses of the program were global concern about GHG emissions especially CO2 emissions which is a major contributor to GHG emissions responsible for global warming. The consequences of climate change on the social systems are expected to vary in different regions of the world on account of several regional and other local factors. Therefore different modeling studies, adaptation strategies and technology systems would be required in different geographical and social context. To protect the earth from the adverse effects of climate change, efforts are being made to reduce the dependence on fossil fuels through improved efficiency and the introduction of non-fossil energy sources like solar and nuclear energy. However, while these strategies may slow the build-up of atmospheric CO2, they will not reduce emissions to the level required by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). In other words, the fossil fuels, which currently supply over 85% of the world’s energy needs, are likely to remain our primary energy source for the foreseeable future. While India is aiming at over 10% growth in industrial production and GDP, we are bound to see increases in GHGs especially CO2. The current measures to adopt green technologies alone may not be sufficient to address the problems of CO2 build up. This has led to increased interest in a new strategy termed Carbon Capture and Sequestration (CCS). Keeping in view the global developments over vis-à-vis Indian R&D efforts on emerging area of Carbon Sequestration Research, DST invites proposals on various possibilities of CO2 Sequestration Research. 

R&D Areas:

1. Carbon capture process development
2. Catalytic conversion of CO2
3. Materials for CO2 capture
4. Membrane separation
5. Effective carbon-dioxide use
6. Sorbents/​absorbent
7. chemical mineralization
8. Development of nano-materials for CO2 sequestration,
9. Carbon dynamics in different land use sector in the long term context of carbon sequestration; crop land, forest land, grass land, wet land and agro-ecosystem
10.Bio-logical carbon sequestration: including terrestrial, fresh water and marine form, 11.Modeling of carbon sequestration 12.Transportations and
13.CO2 storage (including geological and ocean) In addition to above, DST would welcome development of any novel idea/​concept related to CO2 sequestration. Proposal with Public-Private-Partnership in the technologies development and dissemination are also welcome.

Scientists and Academicians belonging to Universities, Deemed Universities and Research Institutes/​Laboratories in following categories: 

• R &D projects in emerging areas of CO2 Sequestration may be in association with Industry / NGO. 

• Research Development & Demonstration (RD&D) projects demonstrated on industrial scale jointly with the concerned ministry and industry. The programme encourages multi-disciplinary proposals envisaging network/​collaboration of various institutions having diverse expertise and facilities for synergistic implementation of the Projects. 

In order to qualify for such funding, investigators are required to have a concrete and sound research proposal which includes Project description, introduction, objectives, experimental methods and importance of the specific outcome of the project. It is expected that the PI will remain in service throughout the duration of the Project. International travel is not normally permissible under the Project. Ten copies of the complete proposal in the enclosed format duly forwarded by the Head of the Institutions are to be submitted. 

Kindly submit the Project proposals (10 hard copies & one soft copy) in prescribed format available on website on http://​www​.dst​.gov​.in to Dr. Susheela Negi, Scientist ​‘D’, IS-STAC Division. Department of Science and Technology, Technology Bhavan, New Mehrauli Road, New Delhi-110 016, Ph. 26590551, susheela.​n@​nic.​in