Wedoany.com Report-Oct. 13, UK-based carbon capture company Carbon Clean has successfully produced the first batch of methanol using CO2 captured from flue gas at the Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station, a 500MW coal-fired facility operated by Indian utility NTPC in India. This milestone marks a significant advancement in sustainable industrial processes.

Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station.

The project, managed by NTPC’s Energy Technology Research Alliance (NETRA), employs Carbon Clean’s CaptureX semi-modular technology. This system captures CO2 at industrial scale from flue gases with CO2 concentrations ranging from 3% to 25% by volume, delivering over 99% pure CO2 suitable for reuse, resale, or storage. At Vindhyachal, the technology captures 20 tonnes of CO2 daily, which is then combined with green hydrogen through catalytic hydrogenation to produce high-quality methanol.

This initiative supports NTPC’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and exploring new opportunities in the green economy. By converting waste CO2 into methanol, a valuable chemical feedstock and sustainable fuel, the project demonstrates a viable path for industrial decarbonization.

Aniruddha Sharma, Chair and CEO of Carbon Clean, stated: “Following the success of our initial 20 TPD CO2 capture project at NTPC Vindhyachal, our technology has been chosen for the subsequent 25 TPD CO2 capture project which will be used to produce ethanol at NTPC Simhadri. This selection strongly validates our system’s robust performance under real industrial conditions and demonstrates customer confidence. These projects are key steps in showing how waste CO2 can be transformed into a valuable low-carbon product.”

The achievement aligns with the recent establishment of Carbon Clean’s Global Innovation Centre in India, launched three months ago in 2025. This hub will drive the development of advanced carbon capture technologies, reinforcing the company’s role in global sustainability efforts.

The milestone coincides with Carbon Clean’s participation in a UK Prime Minister-led trade mission to India, which builds on a trade agreement signed in July 2025. This collaboration highlights the growing partnership between the UK and India in innovative technologies aimed at addressing environmental challenges.

The Vindhyachal project showcases the potential of carbon capture to transform industrial byproducts into valuable resources. By integrating modular technology, Carbon Clean and NTPC are paving the way for scalable solutions that reduce emissions while creating economic value. The upcoming ethanol production project at NTPC Simhadri further demonstrates the versatility of this technology.

This development positions India as a key player in the global transition to sustainable energy and chemical production. The success at Vindhyachal sets a precedent for future projects, offering a model for industries worldwide to adopt carbon capture and utilization technologies.