AI Governance in Carbon Capture Technology: Bridging Indian Legal Frontiers for Climate Resilience – Part II

AI and CCS Technology

Need for AI in CCS Technology

With the world’s environmental situation getting worse, artificial intelligence (AI) might be seen as a necessary ally for the efficient use of CCS technology. The intricate, data-intensive, and dynamic processes involved in carbon capture, storage, and utilisation are the main reasons for the strong demand for AI in CCS. The conventional methods of overseeing these procedures, which are often defined by inflexible and manual interventions, are demonstrating inadequate agility and responsiveness to the complex issues presented by a swiftly evolving environmental terrain.

First of all, only highly developed machine-learning algorithms can achieve the precision and efficiency required by the intricate process of absorbing carbon emissions at their source. Capable of handling vast amounts of data, these algorithms can forecast ideal circumstances for carbon capture, dynamically modify these circumstances in reaction to alterations, and recognise any hazards and inadequacies in the capture procedure. Such a proactive and sophisticated strategy results in improved performance and efficiency of emission-intensive businesses as well as a decrease in carbon emissions overall.

In a same vein, artificial intelligence plays a key role in the storage and use of CCS technology. The process of choosing appropriate geological storage locations, keeping an eye on stored carbon to stop leaks, and turning collected carbon into products that can be used are all fraught with variables and uncertainties that call for a data-driven, predictive approach. By employing artificial intelligence’s predictive analytics powers, scientists may simulate various storage situations, anticipate and address possible hazards, and enhance carbon utilisation procedures, ultimately optimising the financial and ecological advantages of carbon capture and storage (CCS).

AI’s advantages for CCS technology

AI’s fundamental goal is to replicate human intellect and decision-making by using computing power. This processing power can be used to successfully negotiate the many obstacles that CCS technology presents. The optimisation of CCS systems is one example. When used, AI algorithms are able to examine enormous volumes of data about how well CCS systems work in various scenarios. Through the process of analysing this data, these algorithms are able to determine the best possible configurations, which improve the CCS capacity of the system while also lowering related expenses.

AI can also help with subterranean storage reservoir behaviour prediction, which is a crucial part of the CCS process. With the use of AI’s predictive modelling, operators may take preventative action to stop problems like leaks or seismic occurrences by learning about the potential future behaviour of these reservoirs. AI is essential to CCS technology because of its predictive capabilities, which are crucial for risk mitigation and safety assurance given the importance of safety and environmental issues.

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By bringing attention to the hidden consequences of carbon emissions, AI-driven data analysis can also make a substantial contribution to climate action. Artificial intelligence (AI) can identify and measure emissions from specific power facilities, producing an extensive emissions map. By providing businesses and governments with the information they need to make wise decisions, these insights may elevate the conversation about climate action and increase responsibility.

The Farm Beats project,[i] which was supported by Microsoft’s “AI for Earth” initiative, serves as an example of how AI might be used to combat climate change. By helping farmers use resources as efficiently as possible, this effort lessens the influence that they have on the environment. Sensors and drones are strategically used to gather data on different environmental conditions. This data is analysed by AI systems, which then propose resource optimisation. This demonstrates how, via maximising resource utilisation and cutting carbon emissions, AI may improve environmental sustainability in a variety of industries.

AI has the potential to improve efficiency, decrease energy waste, and manage energy systems like smart grids. In order to avoid waste and overproduction, predictive algorithms can alter production and distribution to account for changes in energy supply and demand. AI will play a bigger and more important role in controlling these shifts and lowering greenhouse gas emissions as we move towards more sustainable energy systems.

Artificial Intelligence plays a significant role in augmenting the capabilities of CCS technology beyond the realms of technological optimisation and predictive analytics. It also contributes to the creation of innovative technologies. AI may be utilised by emerging technologies like Direct Air Capture (“DAC”) to enhance and expand their capabilities. On a wide scale, DAC is a viable CCS approach that holds great potential for mitigating climate change. But as of right now, the technology is still in its infancy and requires significant optimisation and efficiency gains. Given its demonstrated ability to increase the efficacy and efficiency of complex systems, this is where artificial intelligence (AI) comes into play. Algorithms for machine learning can be used to investigate the intricate chemistry of DAC operations. Artificial Intelligence has the ability to improve capture efficiency and propose new materials or techniques to advance DAC technology through iterative learning from these processes. These developments have two effects. Its main contribution to climate change mitigation is the development of more effective CCS technology. Furthermore, it opens the door for commercially feasible CCS technology, encouraging their broad deployment and advancing the cause of climate action.

AI’s Difficulties for CCS Technology

Using AI in CCS technology is not without its difficulties, though. AI models require high-quality data in order to produce precise forecasts and suggestions. AI’s efficacy may be constrained by the lack, incompleteness, or low quality of climate data. This makes it necessary to spend money on data collecting and validation in order to improve the precision and dependability of AI models. This is the point at which data collecting and AI regulation become crucial. When using AI, trust and openness are also crucial factors to take into account. Because AI algorithms may be opaque and challenging to understand, making policy judgements based on this technology challenging. In order to build public acceptance and confidence, efforts should be focused on creating transparent AI systems that are auditable and explicable. All data gathering must be done so in a transparent manner and with informed permission.

Author: Kaustubh Kumar, in case of any queries please contact/write back to us via email to [email protected] or at IIPRD. 

REFERENCES

[i] Kristian Alexander, Can AI really help solve the climate crisis?, The National News (May 05, 2023, 12:30 PM), https://www.thenationalnews.com/opinion/comment/2023/05/05/can-ai-really-help-solve-the-climate-crisis/.