Strategic Allocation: Budget 2026 Proposes ₹20,000 Crore for CCUS Infrastructure Development

In a decisive move to bolster climate resilience and industrial decarbonization, the forthcoming Budget 2026 has earmarked a substantial ₹20,000 crore for the advancement of Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS) technologies. This strategic financial commitment underscores a pivotal shift in national energy and environmental policy, targeting the mitigation of emissions from critical high-intensity sectors. CCUS, a process involving the capture of carbon dioxide (CO2) from major point sources—including power generation facilities and industrial plants utilizing fossil or biomass fuels—represents a cornerstone technology for achieving net-zero ambitions. The allocated funds are anticipated to catalyze research, pilot projects, and scalable deployment, addressing both technological and economic barriers. This initiative not only aligns with global climate accords but also positions the nation as a proactive leader in clean energy innovation. By investing in CCUS infrastructure, the government aims to secure energy security, foster industrial competitiveness, and create a framework for sustainable economic growth, thereby transforming environmental challenges into strategic opportunities.