Edinburgh researchers plan to seal 100,000 methane wells by 2033

Rockit, a clean technology company at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh, has announced plans to seal 100,000 methane-leaking wells over the next decade. This initiative aims to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with the potential to prevent millions of tonnes of methane from entering the atmosphere each year. The company intends to employ a chemical injection method that transforms methane-emitting rocks into solid, impermeable barriers, effectively locking harmful gases underground for thousands of years. The International Energy Agency highlights the urgency of addressing methane emissions, noting that methane is over 80 times more potent than carbon dioxide in terms of warming potential over a 20-year period. The researchers believe that their innovative approach could drastically reduce the time required to seal at-risk wells, which would otherwise take over 300 years using traditional methods. This advancement is crucial for meeting global climate goals, including the Paris Agreement's target of limiting warming to 1.5C. With the support of Scottish Enterprise's High Growth Spinout programme, Rockit has secured £75,000 in funding to further develop its technology. The team has also expanded by adding experienced commercial advisers to enhance its research and commercialization efforts. The prototype has already been validated in laboratory conditions and has received an accelerated patent from the UK Government's Green Channel. Experts at Heriot-Watt University emphasize the potential impact of this technology on global net-zero goals, showcasing how innovative research can lead to significant environmental benefits. The project represents a promising step towards addressing the pressing issue of methane emissions and contributing to a more sustainable future.