Accelerating Carbon Capture in India: The Boring Climate Conference 2026
India stands at a pivotal moment in its climate journey, with carbon capture technologies increasingly recognized as key to achieving decarbonization goals. On March 28, 2026, GPS Renewables will host The Boring Climate Conference 2026 at the Taj MG Road in Bengaluru, uniting a diverse group of stakeholders—from researchers and investors to policymakers—to explore the future of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) in the country.
Emphasizing the Need for CCUS
As climate change accelerates, the urgency for innovative solutions has never been more pronounced. India, with its rapidly growing industries, faces unique challenges in reducing emissions. The recent push from the Union Government to speed up CCUS technologies comes at a critical time. With the Union Budget for 2026-27 allocating a substantial INR 20,000 crore to advance these technologies across five high-emission sectors—power, steel, cement, refineries, and chemicals—the stage is set for expansive progress.
Bridging Research and Implementation
While India has laid the groundwork with operational pilot projects, such as the carbon capture facility at NTPC Vindhyachal Super Thermal Power Station, significant attention is now shifting towards scaling these technologies. The Boring Climate Conference will facilitate discussions on moving from early research and pilot phases to large-scale, full-fledged deployment of CCUS technologies.
Key to this transition is collaboration. The event is expected to showcase insights from members of the High-Level Task Force established by the Department of Science and Technology, aimed at developing a phased national strategy for CCUS. This strategy encompasses not just technology development but also the creation of regulatory frameworks and infrastructure planning.
A Lineup of Experts and Innovators
The conference features an impressive roster of speakers who are at the forefront of research and development in CCUS. Dr. Ashish Lele, Director of the CSIR-National Chemical Laboratory and Chair of the High-Level Task Force for India’s CCUS R&D roadmap, will offer insights into strategic developments. Renowned academics like Prof. Sebastian C. Peter from the Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research and Prof. Rajnish Kumar from IIT Madras will also contribute their expertise.
Moreover, the event will shine a light on the investor perspective through speakers like Ashish Goel, co-founder at Optimist and former Urban Ladder founder, as well as Vishnu Rajeev, partner at Speciale Invest. Their insights will underscore the importance of financial backing in scaling climate technologies.
Industry Perspectives on Climate Solutions
The industrial aspect will be represented by Ms. Sushma Rawat, former director of exploration at ONGC, who brings extensive experience in energy production. The diversity of perspectives at the conference—encompassing research, industry, and investment—aims to promote a holistic approach to tackling India’s climate challenges.
Nipun OS, Chief Sustainability Officer of GPS Renewables, emphasized the conference’s mission: “The Boring Climate Conference is an effort to bring together researchers, industry leaders, investors, and policymakers to discuss some of the most complex challenges in India’s climate transition.” This initiative reflects a desire to foster collaboration, identify key challenges, and create actionable solutions that transition climate-positive technologies from concept to real-world projects.
The Conference’s Origin
The Boring Climate Conference is not merely a standalone event; it emerges from The Boring Climate Podcast, which has explored the unique climate-related challenges that India faces over three engaging seasons. The podcast has successfully bridged the gap between research and implementation, making it a fitting precursor to the discussions that will unfold at the conference.
By bringing together a rich tapestry of voices and expertise, The Boring Climate Conference 2026 aims to catalyze meaningful discourse and action towards a sustainable, decarbonized future.