Heriot-Watt University Projects

Hydrogen and carbon dioxide storage and transport for net-zero industrial clusters

This project focuses on establishing reliable, cost-effective, large hydrogen or carbon dioxide storage and distribution hubs. In collaboration with industrial partners, we aim to identify and reduce the hurdles for geological storage of hydrogen and carbon dioxide.

Sustainable production of chemicals and aviation fuels

Large scale deployments of CCUS and integration with green hydrogen are a promising pathway to produce value-added chemicals and sustainable aviation fuels. This project aims to develop attractive commercial opportunities to produce marketable products by developing cost effective catalysts and optimizing the process through reactor design and life-cycle assessment.

Integration of direct air capture into industrial clusters and renewable energy systems

Large scale direct air CO₂ capture may be needed to counter greenhouse gas emissions from so-called ‘hard to abate’ sectors (aviation, agriculture, certain industrial activities). Some estimates suggest that more than a gigatonne of CO₂ needs to be removed from the atmosphere by 2050. To minimise energy use of such volumes of DAC, clever integration with industrial and energy systems is needed. This project combines solid-sorbent DAC process modelling with energy and industrial systems modelling to develop least energy, least cost DAC deployment scenarios.

Deep removal of CO₂ from industrial sources using innovative electrification concepts

This project will explore deep removal of CO₂ from industrial sources (i.e., CO₂ capture rates higher than 95%,) and will focus on the development and assessment of novel electrochemical-regeneration methods that can be coupled to amine-based carbon capture technologies.

Developing non-critical raw materials-based electrocatalysts for green hydrogen generation from wastewater

The project focuses on the development of cost-effective electrocatalysts derived from non-critical raw materials, aiming to replace expensive platinum group metals in the electrolysis process. Emphasizing environmental responsibility, it contributes to the advancement of renewable energy technologies. Ultimately, the research aims to utilize wastewater as a valuable electrolyte feedstock for green hydrogen production, promoting environmental sustainability and energy innovation.

Digital twin for decarbonising industry using hydrogen and low-carbon energy vectors

The candidate will work closely with industry to develop digital twin solutions for incorporating renewable energy options in industrial clusters, such as hydrogen, batteries, solar, wind and heat-pumps, for deep decarbonisation

Could in service life concrete carbonation lead to negative emissions?

Concrete is a fundamental building material essential to economic development and a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions during its production. Concrete reacts with atmospheric CO₂ in all parts of its life-cycle (during use, following demolition, and subsequent use). Accounting for passive CO₂ uptake during the service life, and maximising uptake following demolition, together with deep emissions reduction in the production of cement could result in a net negative CO₂ emission during its life-cycle. This PhD project will explore this vital in-service life carbonation of concrete and its possible use for creating a net-negative carbon footprint.

Process and CFD model development and validation of the Calix core flash calcination technology to support scale-up and commercialisation of Calix’s Low Emissions Lime and Cement (LEILAC) and zero emissions (iron and) steel TechnologY (ZESTY) technologies. 

Email p.fennell@imperial.ac.uk to find out more.

Hydrogen fuelled gas turbine combustors.

Email y.hardalupas@imperial.ac.uk to find out more.

Development and optimisation of highly reactive Calix flash calciner derived CO₂ capture sorbents for pre-combustion CO₂ capture and direct air capture applications.

Email p.fennell@imperial.ac.uk to find out more.

Understanding User Needs for the Adoption of Hydrogen Energy Products.

Advancing Decarbonisation Technologies: A Focus on Dispersed High-Energy Use Sites.

Scaling industrial decarbonisation with data and finance.