World's first CO2-to-methanol plant

Why in news?

• Recently, India's largest power generating company National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC) inaugurated the world's first CO₂ to methanol conversion plant at its Vindhyachal plant

CO₂ to Methanol Conversion Process:

• CO₂ emissions from industrial processes are captured directly from flue gases.
• The captured CO₂ reacts with hydrogen using a special catalyst developed by NTPC
• This reaction takes place under controlled pressure and temperature conditions, producing methanol as the final product.
• The synthesized methanol is stored and can be used as feedstock for fuel or chemicals.

National Thermal Power Corporation Limited (NTPC):

• It is India's largest power company.
• It is a Maharatna category Central Public Sector Undertaking under the Ministry of Power.
• Establishment – ​​Year 1975
• Headquarters – New Delhi
• Its main function is to generate and distribute electricity for Indian State Electricity Boards.