WRc provided research and high-level assessment of potential waste materials and mechanisms of Enhanced Mineral Weathering (EMW), a technique to accelerate the natural weathering process which stores carbon as ocean alkalinity, removing CO2 from the atmosphere.
our wealth of technical and strategic expertise to provide comprehensive insights into potential technique transfer from beginning to end
research and high-level assessment of potential waste materials and mechanisms of Enhanced Mineral Weathering within the water sector
clear steps for effective transition of an innovative long term carbon capture solution to advance the water industry towards net zero goals
The water industry has made an ambitious pledge to achieve net zero carbon by 2030. It’s a big challenge, but water companies are committed to protecting and enhancing the environment and intend to be part of the solution to the climate crisis.
The water industry has already taken some significant steps to reduce gross operational emissions, cutting them by 43% in under a decade, and is now working hard to develop a collaborative action plan to identify further options to reduce carbon. Current focuses involve energy consumption best practices, 'green' energy approaches, increasing biogas availability, and reducing wastewater treatment plant emissions.
There is a need, however, to look at more radical and innovative solutions to ensure the industry meets the 2030 pledge.
In the natural system, the weathering of silicate minerals plays an important role in removing CO2 from the atmosphere. This process generates alkalinity which is transmitted through rivers to the ocean where it is permanently stored, enabling reversal of anthropogenic ocean acidification (human-induced atmospheric CO2 causing a reduction of ocean PH).
However, this process is very slow, so research is currently being carried out to understand the potential for enhancing the rate of silicate weathering as a technique for carbon capture and storage - a technique commonly referred to as Enhanced Mineral Weathering (EMW).
Several alkaline waste streams in the UK meet the basic requirements for EMW, namely high pH and high mineral silicate or hydroxide content, and as wastes, do not pose the same level of carbon intensity to obtain as virgin materials, as well as avoiding landfill and promoting a circular economy. Another major consideration for EMW application is the mechanism used to enhance the rate of mineral dissolution.
To further the development of this promising technique, WRc's Portfolio project delivered research and high-level assessment of potential waste materials and mechanisms of EMW within the water sector.
Investigations and suggestions for further project development outlined a mixed approach; agricultural application through expertise in catchment management techniques alongside wastewater treatment works deployment.
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