CSIR-NGRI director stresses need for expertise in carbon storage research

Identifying suitable geological formations for the safe and long-term storage of carbon dioxide will require a combination of scientific expertise, advanced technologies and skilled manpower, said CSIR-National Geophysical Research Institute (CSIR-NGRI) Prakash Kumar, while inaugurating a five-day training programme on ‘Subsurface Characterization of Geological Carbon Storage Sites (SC-GCS)’.

The programme, being conducted under the CSIR Integrated Skill Initiative, aims to build expertise in carbon capture and storage technologies, a key component of India’s efforts to curb greenhouse gas emissions and address climate change.

Addressing participants, Mr. Prakash Kumar highlighted the growing importance of geological carbon storage in achieving the country’s climate goals. The training programme has drawn 14 participants, including four women and 10 men, from academia, industry and independent consulting from organisations and institutions, including NPCIL, Oil India Limited, Kalpra Tech Solutions, Drake AI, Banaras Hindu University, IIT (ISM) Dhanbad, NIT Karnataka and Osmania University.

The programme is designed to strengthen technical capacity in the emerging field of geological carbon storage and support the development and deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies in the country. Geological carbon storage is increasingly being viewed as an important strategy for reducing industrial carbon emissions while supporting economic growth.

According to a press release on Thursday, the course provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of subsurface characterisation techniques used to evaluate potential geological carbon storage sites. Such assessments are critical for determining the suitability, safety and long-term viability of underground formations for storing captured carbon dioxide.

Scientists Dr. Nimisha Vedanti, Dr. Uma Vadapalli, Dr. Abhey Ram Bansal, Dr. E.V.S.S.K. Babu and others are coordinating and conducting the training programme.

Published - October 29, 2026 06:51 pm IST