Quantifying CO2 Emissions from Large Point Sources in the Indian Region: A  Data-Driven Approach using Satellite Measurements.

In the context of the Indian region, the existing knowledge concerning the spatial distribution and magnitude of carbon emissions is marked by significant uncertainty. Recent attempts to quantify these emissions through atmospheric inverse modeling techniques have been constrained by a dearth of atmospheric carbon observations. Furthermore, an alternative approach involves harnessing atmospheric column measurements from satellites, notably the recently launched OCO3 and forthcoming satellites equipped with sensors specifically designed for greenhouse gas monitoring at high spatial resolution. These satellite-based technologies provide broader coverage, offering a potential solution for advancing scientific studies on carbon emissions. Within the Indian region, the prevailing emissions predominantly originate from local point sources (mainly thermal power plants) and metropolitan cities. This underscores the significance of accurate quantification of emissions from these locations. This study delves into the utilization of target mode measurements from OCO3 to quantify carbon emissions in these high-emission locations across the Indian region. Further, in lieu of opting for computationally intensive atmospheric inverse modeling using a transport model, our focus lies in employing a data-driven approach to derive emissions. The results will contribute valuable insights into the efficacy of satellite-based methodologies, shedding light on their potential role in addressing the challenges associated with carbon emission estimation in this dynamic and critical geographical context.