Carbon Capture pioneer NEG8 Carbon has partnered with Walton Institute, the research institute, to optimise its Direct Air Capture (DAC) technology using AI and machine learning. 

NEG8 Carbon, Ireland’s first DAC company, has developed ground-breaking technology that removes carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. The CO₂ can be repurposed or stored safely, thereby reversing the effects of climate change. 

L-R: Dr Adrian Costigan, chief commercial officer, NEG8 Carbon; Dr Indrakshi Dey, head of the Programmable Autonomous Systems Division at Walton Institute; and Dr John Breen, CTO, NEG8 Carbon.

Walton Institute is an internationally recognised centre of excellence known for its cutting-edge ICT research and innovation with real-world applications. 

Using machine learning

The partnership with Walton Institute will focus on a two-year AI project using machine learning to monitor and optimise the conditions for carbon capture.

NEG8 Carbon’s technology works with a solid sorbent material to attract CO2  from the atmosphere. The efficiency of the DAC unit is influenced by several external factors, including air temperature, humidity, the condition of the sorbent material and the type, cost and availability of renewable energy.

Predicting the optimal cycle is challenging due to these variances and unstable energy market prices.

The project with Walton Institute will examine optimal carbon capture release and regenerate cycles using predictive machine learning to monitor the data on climatic conditions, energy prices, and sorbent conditions. 

The AI control system will provide unprecedented insight into the conditions needed to maximise sorbent material longevity and minimise the cost of sorbent regeneration.

Dr John Breen, chief technology officer, NEG8 Carbon said: "To fully realise the potential of machine learning, the system will need to interpret data over time to allow for precise predictions and "what if" functionality integrated into the system. This will give us incredible insight into the most efficient way to remove carbon from the atmosphere using NEG8 Carbon technology. 

'Significant step forward'

"We are thrilled to partner with Walton Institute on this exciting project, a significant step forward as we advance our carbon capture technology." 

The two-year AI project by NEG8 Carbon and Walton Institute will commence in Q3 of 2024.

Dr Indrakshi Dey, head of the Programmable Autonomous Systems (PAS) Division at  Walton Institute said: “While collaborating with Neg8 Carbon, we aim to harmonise technological advancements in AI with environmental responsibility through decentralised learning and autonomous agent-based optimisation.

"Partnering with Neg8 Carbon in employing AI-aided monitoring and optimisation of conditions for carbon capture, we commit to a future where technology and sustainability go hand in hand.”

NEG8 Carbon has emerged as a leader in direct air capture technology. Its vision is to develop large-scale Direct Air Capture parks, scaling to capture millions of tonnes of CO2, driving towards a sustainable planet. 

For more information visit www.neg8carbon.com