Businesses worldwide are recognizing that environmental responsibility is not just a moral imperative but also a critical component of long-term viability.
In today’s rapidly evolving industrial landscape, the quest for sustainability has become paramount. Businesses worldwide are recognizing that environmental responsibility is not just a moral imperative but also a critical component of long-term viability. Tata Chemicals has consistently demonstrated its commitment to this cause through innovative technologies and strategic investments that align with global climate goals. A shining example of this commitment is the groundbreaking work in carbon capture technology undertaken by Tata Chemicals Europe (TCE), a subsidiary of Tata Chemicals Limited, India.
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is a technology that has gained significant attention for its potential to mitigate climate change by capturing carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions from industrial processes before they are released into the atmosphere. The International Energy Agency (IEA) has emphasized the importance of CCUS, stating that to meet global climate targets, more than 7,600 million tonnes of CO₂ must be captured annually by 2050. Tata Chemicals’ pioneering work in this field is not only contributing to these global efforts but also setting a new benchmark for the industry.
In 2018, Tata Chemicals Europe made a significant leap forward by developing the UK’s first industrial-scale CCUS plant. This facility captures CO₂ from the flue gases of the on-site combined heat and power (CHP) plant, liquefies it, and purifies it to meet the highest food-grade standards. The captured CO₂ is then used as a key raw material in the production of high-purity sodium bicarbonate, a product vital to sectors such as pharmaceuticals and healthcare. This innovative process, branded as Ecokarb®, earned TCE a patent for its novel approach to capturing and utilizing CO₂ from flue gases, marking a significant achievement in the field of sustainable industrial practices.
Despite the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, the project was successfully commissioned in the fourth quarter of 2021, with all safety, environmental, and legal requirements met in full. The facility now supplies all of TCE’s CO₂ requirements for sodium bicarbonate production, demonstrating the resilience and adaptability of Tata Chemicals in the face of unprecedented global challenges.
From the perspective of Tata Chemicals, this project is a validation of our broader sustainability strategy aligned to our motto of serving society through science. Tata Chemicals has long recognized the need to integrate environmental stewardship into its operations, and the CCUS plant in Northwich is encouraging example of how this can be achieved. The insights gained and technologies developed offer valuable lessons that has a potential to be applied across Tata Chemicals’ operations.
India, as a rapidly industrializing nation, faces unique challenges in balancing economic growth with environmental sustainability. The country has set ambitious climate goals, including a commitment to reduce carbon emissions intensity by 45% by 2030 and to achieve net-zero emissions by 2070. For Tata Chemicals, this presents a significant opportunity to lead by example, leveraging the expertise gained from its European subsidiary to drive the adoption of carbon capture technologies in India. By doing so, Tata Chemicals can contribute positively as India and world progresses in meeting its climate targets.
As we look to the future, sustainability will continue to be a driving force behind Tata Chemicals’ strategic decisions. The company’s efforts in carbon capture technology is one of the example of how it is positioning itself to meet the challenges of tomorrow while delivering value to its stakeholders today. For Tata Chemicals this milestone leads to a vision for the future, one where industrial innovation and environmental responsibility are inextricably linked, paving the way for a more sustainable and prosperous world.
R Mukundan,
Managing Director and CEO,
Tata Chemicals Limited
