VITO researcher Deepak Pant appointed as IPCC Lead Author on CDR and CCUS
VITO researcher Deepak Pant has been appointed as a Lead Author for the IPCC 2027 Methodology Report on Carbon Dioxide Removal (CDR) Technologies, Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS). He will specifically contribute to the chapter on CO2 utilisation.
Deepak attended the First Lead Author Meeting (LAM1), which took place from 14 to 16 April 2026 at the headquarters of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) in Rome. The meeting brought together over 150 experts to begin work on the report.
The 2027 Methodology Report will equip governments with a robust, up-to-date scientific foundation for estimating CO2 emissions and removals from CDR and CCUS technologies. It will provide comprehensive guidance on a wide range of approaches, from CO2 capture, utilisation, and long-term storage to emerging land-based and coastal solutions, including direct air capture, soil and biomass-based removals, coastal ecosystem approaches, and the production of durable CO2-derived materials.
Long-standing expertise and research track record
Deepak's appointment reflects VITO's long-standing expertise and research track record in the field of CCUS and CO2 utilisation. He also serves as a Scientific Advisory member with CO2 Value Europe, further embedding VITO's work at the heart of the European and global CCUS landscape.
Deepak was nominated by the IPCC Focal Point of Belgium (BELSPO) and selected by the IPCC Task Force on National Greenhouse Gas Inventories (TFI). As with other IPCC reports, the Methodology Report will go through a structured and transparent process, including four lead author meetings, two formal review stages, and final approval by IPCC member governments at the end of 2027.
"As these technologies scale globally, establishing robust, transparent, and science-based methodologies for national GHG inventories is more critical than ever," says Deepak. "I look forward to collaborating with a distinguished cohort of international experts through 2027 to ensure that CCUS and CDR activities are accurately reflected in global climate accounting."
