As researchers globally look for advancements to address climate change, Heriot-Watt University achieved a breakthrough in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. CCS is a method to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and help combat climate change.
The Edinburgh-based University accelerated the modelling of carbon capture storage methods by employing Artificial Intelligence (AI) as part of its ECO-AI research project.
The project, iNetZ+, spearheaded by the university’s net-zero-focused global research institute, has received commendable support from UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and has procured $3.17 million in funding.
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Usually, developing a CCS structure or network takes a considerable amount of time coupled with intensive supercomputer simulations before completion. However, with AI’s intervention and the use of AI-powered simulators, the 100 days involving complex supercomputer calculations have been reduced to 24 hours.
The breakthrough achieved by the ECO-AI project not only impacts the time required for the CCS process but also reduces associated costs, ultimately making CCS a more accessible and adaptable solution for the reduction of carbon emissions reductions.
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The implications of this breakthrough are widespread. When applied to specific industries, it can significantly help hard-to-abate industries decarbonise. At the speed promised by AI, the project provides possible ways for industries to dramatically reduce greenhouse gas emissions and contribute to combatting climate change more effectively.
