Professor Paul I. Barton
PI at MIT
Professor Ahmed Al Hajaj
PI at Masdar Institute
This project focuses on the application of multiscale modeling and optimization to develop potential future infrastructure designs for CO2 networks in Abu Dhabi. These will take into consideration the current and prospective emission sources, including power plants, gas processing plants, petrochemical industry facilities, fertilizer plants, cement factories, desalination plants and more.
The multiscale modeling component of the project will integrate models of alternative existing and novel capture sub-processes with overall processes/power plants and then with the holistic CO2 infrastructure, taking into consideration current and proposed major CO2 point sources in the region. It will also explore the best opportunities for the algal bio-sequestration route alongside enhanced oil recovery (EOR), using bioreactor models of microalgae and symbiotic bacteria in open ponds in addition to spatially explicit models of potential sinks.
The more detailed modeling part of the project focuses on the evaluation of alternative capture processes involving, for example, alternative sorbents and solvents; in particular evaluating their ability to cope with feed gases that are representative of Abu Dhabi’s industrial and power processes. Detailed bioprocess models that integrate genome-scale metabolic network models of photosynthetic microorganisms with the extracellular bioreactor model and the downstream process model will be developed to explore the potential for value added products that can reduce the cost of CO2 capture.
This project will result in proposed designs for an evolving carbon capture utilization and storage (CCUS) infrastructure network for the region; it will help Abu Dhabi and the UAE in meeting its aspirations for a flourishing low carbon economy. Sustainable development is a major aspect of Abu Dhabi’s Vision 2030 and this is closely linked with achieving significant reductions in carbon emissions while maintaining economic growth.
