Research initiative is underway at Heriot-Watt University, leveraging cutting-edge artificial intelligence (AI) techniques to revolutionize carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies, ultimately propelling us towards a net-zero future.
Pioneering Research and Achievements
Led by Heriot-Watt's net-zero focused global research institute iNetZ+, the multimillion-pound ECO-AI research project has achieved a remarkable feat - reducing the time required for modelling CCS methods from 100 days to a mere 24 hours using advanced AI simulators. This unprecedented acceleration holds the promise of making CCS a viable economic option, particularly for traditional industries such as steel, cement, and chemicals, facilitating their efficient decarbonization.
The ECO-AI Approach
Funded by £2.5 million from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the ECO-AI project, in collaboration with colleagues from Imperial College London, has brought together an interdisciplinary team of experts spanning chemical engineering, physics, geology, mathematics, computer science, and economics. Their goal is to develop energy-efficient solvents for CO2 capture and devise methods for the permanent storage of captured CO2 in deep geological formations through advanced AI techniques.
By harnessing the power of AI, the researchers have significantly accelerated the modeling of complex processes, reducing tasks that typically require months of supercomputer simulations to just a day. This game-changing capability not only accelerates research progress but also drastically reduces associated time and costs, making CCS more accessible and scalable.
Collaborative Innovation and Impact
To augment their research efforts, Heriot-Watt University recently hosted a workshop and hackathon event, uniting leading experts in AI, computational science, and CCS. The collaborative efforts highlighted the critical role of interdisciplinary collaboration and explored the use of digital twins for decision-making around net-zero emissions, as well as the incorporation of simplified models into large-scale optimization replicas for complex systems.
The hackathon provided a hands-on opportunity for teams to develop AI-based solutions for challenges related to CO2 capture, storage, and policy/economics. The event witnessed the enthusiastic participation of students and postdocs who coded and worked on developing AI models that could reshape how we approach CCS technologies.
The Promise of ECO-AI
Professor Ahmed H. Elsheikh, leader of the data and artificial intelligence research theme at iNetZ+, emphasized the potential of their efforts, stating, "Our research has the ability to really advance existing scientific research streams to source suitable options for safe storage of CO2 without consuming too much energy and without the need to deploy expensive and often time-consuming exploratory investigations."
Professor Clare McCabe, co-leader of the project's carbon capture component, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the impressive optimism and energy displayed during the hackathon.
Professor Gill Murray, Deputy Principal for Enterprise and Business at Heriot-Watt University, underscored the university's commitment to pioneering groundbreaking methods to impact global solutions towards decarbonization, emphasizing the importance of integrating research-informed teaching to shape the next generation of leaders and engineers.
The ECO-AI project exemplifies Heriot-Watt University's dedication to innovating for the future, harnessing the power of artificial intelligence to address the global climate crisis and accelerate the transition to a sustainable, carbon-neutral world.
As the world strives to combat climate change, initiatives like the ECO-AI project offer a glimpse of hope, showcasing the potential for AI to drive meaningful change and propel us towards a more sustainable and environmentally conscious future.
