How AI is Accelerating Carbon Capture Technologies

At CREDUCE, we're committed to developing innovative solutions for climate change mitigation. Today, we're thrilled to share a groundbreaking development from Heriot-Watt University that has the potential to revolutionize carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies.

A Leap Forward in CCS Modeling

Researchers at Heriot-Watt University's iNetZ+ global research institute have achieved a remarkable feat: utilizing advanced AI simulators to reduce the time required for modeling CCS methods from a staggering 100 days to a mere 24 hours. This unprecedented acceleration is a game-changer for the future of CCS, making it a more viable and attractive option for industries like steel, cement, and chemicals that are crucial to decarbonize.

The Power of ECO-AI

Funded by a ￡2.5 million grant from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI), the ECO-AI project brings together a multi-disciplinary team of experts from various fields, including chemical engineering, physics, geology, and computer science. Their mission is two-fold: develop energy-efficient solvents for CO? capture and facilitate permanent storage of captured CO? in deep geological formations – all through the power of cutting-edge AI techniques.

Previously, complex simulations required months of processing time on supercomputers. By harnessing the capabilities of AI, researchers can bypass these traditional methods and achieve similar results in just a day. This breakthrough not only accelerates research progress but also drastically reduces the associated costs, making CCS a more accessible and scalable solution.

Fostering Collaboration: Workshops and Hackathons

Understanding the importance of collaboration, the ECO-AI project team recently hosted a two-day workshop and a three-day hackathon event. These events brought together leading experts in AI, computational science, and CCS to explore the potential of AI in tackling climate change.

The workshop focused on interdisciplinary collaboration and the use of digital twins for decision-making around net-zero emissions. Additionally, it explored the integration of simplified models into large-scale optimization frameworks for complex systems.

The hackathon provided a hands-on platform for teams to develop AI-based solutions for specific challenges related to CO? capture, storage, and policy/economics. With access to specialized tools, data, and expert support, participants tackled tasks like discovering new materials for CO? capture, modeling subsurface fluid flow, and analyzing patterns in CCS-related patents.

The enthusiasm and ingenuity displayed during these events were truly inspiring. Students and postdocs actively coded and developed AI models that have the potential to reshape our approach to CCS technologies.

A Profound Impact on the Future of CCS

Professor Ahmed H. Elsheikh, leader of the data and artificial intelligence research theme at iNetZ+, highlights the project's primary focus: "We're refining algorithms that can be applied to CCS in hard-to-decarbonize industries. This research has the potential to significantly advance existing scientific efforts, leading to more efficient and cost-effective CO? storage solutions."

Professor Clare McCabe, co-leader of the project's carbon capture component, echoes this sentiment, impressed by the collaborative spirit displayed at the hackathon: "The optimism and energy from students and postdocs working on various AI models were truly inspiring."

Professor Gill Murray, Deputy Principal for Enterprise and Business at Heriot-Watt University, emphasized the university's commitment to driving global decarbonization solutions: "Through iNetZ+, we're pioneering innovative methods across all major sectors to propel us towards a net-zero future."

Professor Murray further underlines the importance of integrating research-informed teaching to "shape the next generation of leaders and engineers who will lead the charge towards a sustainable future."

The ECO-AI project is a shining example of how AI can be harnessed to address the global climate crisis. At CREDUCE, we believe this breakthrough has the potential to accelerate the transition to a carbon-neutral world. We're committed to staying at the forefront of such advancements and working collaboratively to ensure a sustainable future for all.