NTPC’s NETRA and IIP Develop Indigenous Catalyst to Convert CO₂ Emissions into High-Purity Methanol

The newly developed catalyst plays a crucial role in methanol synthesis, enabling a reaction between CO₂ and hydrogen.

In a breakthrough for CO₂ mitigation in fossil fuel power plants, NTPC’s R&D division, NETRA, in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Petroleum (IIP) Dehradun, has successfully developed an indigenous catalyst capable of converting CO₂ emissions into high-purity methanol. This innovation aligns with global efforts to capture carbon emissions and transform them into valuable fuels and chemicals, setting a standard for sustainable practices in India's energy sector.

The newly developed catalyst plays a crucial role in methanol synthesis, enabling a reaction between CO₂ and hydrogen. In the process, one mole of CO₂ is combined with three moles of hydrogen in a down-flow fixed-bed reactor, achieving a methanol purity exceeding 99%. Currently, the catalyst is undergoing rigorous testing at a pilot plant with a capacity of 10 kg of methanol per day. The promising results indicate significant potential for scaling up this technology to industrial levels.

As part of its sustainability mission, NTPC’s Green Energy Limited, a subsidiary focused on renewable energy and green innovations, is spearheading multiple initiatives to cut greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to India’s pledge for net-zero emissions by 2070. Through these efforts, NTPC not only advances in carbon capture technology but also paves the way for transformative practices in the energy sector, aligning with global climate goals and setting a blueprint for carbon-neutral advancements in power generation.