A groundbreaking cleantech project from Heriot-Watt University in Scotland is poised to make a significant impact on global climate goals. The innovative technology, known as Rockit, transforms permeable rocks into solid, permanent seals, potentially closing 100,000 gas-leaking wells over the next decade. This advancement could play a crucial role in achieving the Paris Agreement’s target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius by significantly reducing methane emissions, which are 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide over a 20-year period.
Transforming Rocks to Combat Climate Change
Rockit, developed by Heriot-Watt University, uses a novel chemical injection technology to convert porous rocks into impermeable barriers. This method offers a more comprehensive sealing solution compared to existing techniques. By infiltrating the pores and cracks in permeable rocks, the technology ensures a permanent seal, effectively locking harmful gases underground for millennia. This innovative approach could drastically reduce the time required to plug millions of at-risk wells, which current methods estimate would take over 300 years.
The project has already garnered significant attention and support. Rockit won the 2023 Converge Net Zero Challenge and has been granted an accelerated patent via the UK Government’s Green Channel scheme. The technology has been validated under lab conditions, and the team is now focused on scaling up the project for commercial use. The involvement of industry experts like Mark Zwinderman and Laurence Ormerod further strengthens the project’s potential for success.
A Step Towards Achieving the Paris Agreement
The Paris Agreement aims to limit global temperature increases to well below 2 degrees Celsius, with efforts to cap the rise at 1.5 degrees. Methane, a potent greenhouse gas, has a significant impact on global warming. According to the International Energy Agency, cutting methane emissions by 45% in the next six years is crucial for meeting the Paris Agreement’s climate targets. Rockit’s technology could play a pivotal role in this effort by providing an effective solution for sealing methane-leaking wells.
Dr. Oleg Ishkov, a lead researcher at Heriot-Watt University, emphasizes the importance of this technology in the fight against climate change. He notes that the current methods are insufficient to address the scale of the problem, and Rockit’s innovative approach offers a radical new solution. The project exemplifies the type of high-impact research that Heriot-Watt University champions, showcasing how academic research can deliver tangible environmental benefits on a global scale.
Future Prospects and Industry Collaboration
The future of Rockit looks promising, with plans to scale up the technology for both shallow onshore and deeper offshore well sites. The project is at the earliest stage of its scaling journey, but with the support of Scottish Enterprise’s High Growth Spinout Programme, it is well-positioned for commercial success. The involvement of industry veterans and the backing of Heriot-Watt University provide a strong foundation for the project’s development.
Professor Gill Murray, deputy principal for enterprise and business at Heriot-Watt University, highlights the university’s commitment to fostering transformative technologies. She believes that Rockit has the potential to make a significant contribution to global net-zero goals. The project’s success could serve as a model for other cleantech initiatives, demonstrating the critical role that academic research and industry collaboration play in addressing global climate challenges.