Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)

✈️ Green flight paths: A catalyst for net-zero aviation by 2050 👉Read our paper 👉 https://lnkd.in/exbyzpQt Aviation sector must rapidly scale up sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production and use to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050:  📣 Green flight paths (GFPs) between key international aviation markets can catalyse and de-risk the massive investments needed in SAF. 📣 Coupling GFPs with broader industrial decarbonization plans allows a coordinated approach. 📣 GFPs can provide SAF producers with critical offtake certainty to unlock investments and achieve the dramatic cost reductions and 1500-fold scale-up in SAF output needed by 2050. Energy #RSCEnergy, Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), Heriot-Watt University, Steve Griffiths #netzero #SAF #aviation #SustainableHWU

Dissertation Reflection: Embarking on an online/hybrid dissertation is a unique and enriching experience. My dissertation journey at Heriot-Watt University started with a course “Critical analysis and Research preparation”. Both the Campus and online students were given a range of topics to decide and apply for. Supervisors selected candidates based on qualification and vacancies. I applied for two projects both under Amir Jahanbakhsh and was thrilled to be selected for underground hydrogen storage: Salt Caverns, Depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs or Saline aquifers. Our first interaction on teams was effortless and inspiring. The approach to open discussion on topics like reservoir engineering, my work assignments, UK oil fields and what not. Above all, the crucial aspect was the flexibility on steering the project objectives based on my interests and setting up internal timeline to keep me focused gave me the solid start. At the end of pre-dissertation report submission, I was delighted and proud of having critically analysed more than 20 case histories of past modelling approaches in depleted hydrocarbon and saline aquifers and the work on salt formation dynamics. Supervisor review at every milestone kept me on my toes and prepared me for the next tasks. Beyond academics, I was encouraged to participate in scholarship events, training courses, educational weeks, and conferences. These experiences broadened my understanding of underground hydrogen storage (UHS) and its applications. In April this year, I gave my final presentation. Despite my anxiety, the guidance by the supervisor—including a detailed review and a mock session—boosted my confidence. This kind of belief in my capabilities earned me the highest marks and exceptional feedback from the jury. Overall, as a new field and an online student, I viewed dissertation as the most daunting part of my MSc. However, it turned out to be most fulfilling experience, fuelled by my commitment to learning. Looking forward to sharing with the world the work we have accomplished in depleted gas reservoir and Indian perspective soon. #hydrogenstorage #cleanenergy #dissertation. Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS)

The general public is often told how they can take action to combat the #climate emergency, by - for example - recycling, using public transport, or retrofitting homes. But the transition to #NetZero is about so much more.    Our 𝗡𝗲𝘁 𝗭𝗲𝗿𝗼 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗧𝗼𝗼𝗹 allows people to learn more about the different industries, technologies and sectors that are coming together to create a #GreenIndustrialFuture. The tool illustrates how various aspects of everyday life and industry are coming together in a sustainable and circular economy that will not only benefit the environment but will also drive economic prosperity and support jobs: https://lnkd.in/dZPvE7Bh  Our Net Zero Tool also offers resources for researchers, stakeholders and policymakers, as well as young people and those reskilling.  #Sustainability #Innovation #CircularEconomy 

It’s Energy Day at #COP29! 🎥 Today, we spoke with Mercedes Maroto-Valer, member of the Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition (CEET), on what needs to be done for the #EnergyTransition. Explore SDSN’s #COP Resource Hub to learn more about the key issues at stake at COP29, our calls to action, necessary outcomes, events and helpful resources: https://lnkd.in/ePh8pG_Z #SDSNatCOP29 #COP29Azerbaijan #EnergyTransition #RenewableEnergy #Decarbonization #ClimateAction #Energy

Turning busy long haul air routes into ‘green flight paths’ could help #aviation reach net zero faster, according to new research led by Heriot-Watt University in the UK and the American University of Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates. ✈ 🌐 The research, published in the Royal Society of Chemistry’s top international journal, Energy and Environmental Science, recommends that a small number of long-haul flights with high passenger volumes, such as London to Dubai, could be used to establish these green flight paths by spearheading sustainable aviation fuels (SAF). SAF are non-petroleum-based fuels that emit significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional fossil-based jet fuels. Dubai and London Heathrow airports are two of the busiest airports in the world and the first and second highest ranked in the world terms of CO₂ emissions from international flights, as well as total international passengers. London Heathrow is already a world leader in SAF ambition and is working towards a target of incorporating 11% of SAF into its overall fuel usage by 2030. Sustainable energy expert and lead author of the paper, Professor Steve Griffiths, Vice Chancellor for Research at the American University of Sharjah, said: “The UAE and UK are both highly dependent on long-haul flights, so have a compelling opportunity to lead the establishment of green flight paths, to demonstrate and deploy sustainable aviation fuels.” Professor John Andresen, a chemical engineer and expert in fuel processing technology at Heriot-Watt’s Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS), said: “The concept of green flight paths is inspired by green shipping corridors, which are paving the way for net-zero shipping. A similar framework for prioritising long-haul flight segments is becoming increasingly urgent, to drive the global production and use of net-zero SAF technologies.” More here: https://lnkd.in/exa-MUBq #SustainableHWU #GreenFlights #ZeroEmissions #CleanEnergy #SustainableFuel #COP29 

Very proud of Friday Ochedi who, today, published the second paper of his PhD! Friday investigated the oxidative degradation of potassium glycinate as a model amino acid salt for CO2 capture or direct air capture, combined with thermal or electrochemical regeneration. When blended with KOH (e.g., when combined with electrochemical regeneration), the degradation speeds up, while blending with K2CO3 slightly inhibits the degradation rate. Find out why here: https://lnkd.in/ezR3PjGi

📣📣Climate finance is not charity, it’s good business📣📣 That’s my first COP29 Azerbaijan take home message. #COP9 is underway. There is always some good news when a COP starts, and this time around was about carbon markets for international collaboration (for ‘COP techies’ #Article6.4). Expectations are high for raising ambition and implementing action. As Dr Maimunah Mohd Sharif, mayor of #KualaLumpur 🇲🇾, rightly put it at the opening ceremony: It is in difficult times, when we need to find solutions together. 👷♀️👷And that is what an #engineer does, we are change makers, solutions finders. It could not be a better way to celebrate #UK 🇬🇧#NationalEngineeringDay than with my fellow engineers United Nations - Council of Engineers for the Energy Transition at our annual COP meeting. No country is immune to the effects of climate change. We are in this together and all voices have to be heard. This is what COP is about. 📻📺 Thanks BBC News, BBC Scotland, BBC Radio 5 Live and Times Radio for the opportunity to share my views so far. https://lnkd.in/ekQRsJjS Heriot-Watt University, Industrial Decarbonisation Research and Innovation Centre (IDRIC), Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS) , Heriot-Watt University Malaysia , Heriot-Watt University, Dubai Campus, Royal Academy of Engineering, Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) #sustainableHWU #netzero #engineering

Our brand-new Net Zero Industry tool is live!   With #COP29 currently taking place, all eyes are on how #industry is making the #NetZero transition a reality. Our interactive tool provides a dynamic overview of the technologies paving the way to a more #sustainable future, highlighting how diverse stakeholders are working together for a #GreenIndustrialFuture. https://lnkd.in/d3tCYErY The net zero tool offers different views tailored to different audiences: stakeholders, young people in education and the general public, ensuring everyone can access insights on how we can collectively achieve #NetZero goals. #Sustainability #Innovation 

Our Deputy Principal for Global Sustainability, Professor Mercedes Maroto-Valer, has been speaking about her hopes for this year’s COP29 summit as she arrives in Azerbaijan for the opening day.    Setting out the need for member countries to show ‘action and ambition’, Professor Maroto-Valer, in the video below, also underscores the critical role of finance and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs)—the backbone of each country's strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and address the multifaceted impacts of climate change.   As the global community gathers, we have an unprecedented opportunity to advance meaningful action. Heriot-Watt stands behind Professor Maroto-Valer in calling for bold targets and transformative change to safeguard our planet. Let’s seize this moment for climate action. More on our climate action here: https://lnkd.in/evypYP3g   #COP29 #ClimateAction #SustainableHWU

Thanks so much to the organizing committee of the #GHGT17 Conference! A full week of exciting and inspiring talks, posters and networking opportunities where the Research Centre for Carbon Solutions (RCCS) team at Heriot-Watt University has showcased our work on #CCUS and #H2 technologies. Let’s continue collaborating and sharing knowledge!!