As we decarbonise our economy, carbon capture and storage (CCS) solutions and the adoption of hydrogen-based energy systems will become more widespread. These industries will require large-scale geological storage to mitigate the impact of climate change and provide an ongoing source of sustainable energy. During the transition, the continued storage of natural gas will also be paramount to ensure security of supply. Leakage of CO2, H2 and CH4 from subsurface reservoirs presents significant risk for proposed storage sites. At present Monitoring, Measurement and Verification (MMV) of reservoirs requires on-site human visitation and spot sampling, which represents a significant long-term cost and logistical challenge. Yet we must be able to trace, measure and, where possible, remediate all leaks to reduce their contribution to climate change and demonstrate safe practice. In this Ph.D. project, the candidate student will address the need for efficient and effective monitoring of subsurface operations through the adoption of autonomous remote systems. Through the integration of existing platforms (i.e. drones) and sensor packages (e.g. infrared, lidar, hyperspectral imaging, near-surface geophysics), the student will develop bespoke solutions for a future system that can autonomously monitor and detect leakages. This PhD project will be comprised of 3 work packages, including: 1) The testing and validation of a range of gas leakage detection approaches that can be mounted on a drone device, 2) The operation and automation of drones, both air and land-based, for deploying detection packages, and, 3) Assessing uncertainties related to surface and subsurface conditions to develop best practices and optimize MMV surveying design. This proposal will be supported by the National Robotarium at Heriot Watt University to leverage their specialism in integrating software and hardware for bespoke drone operations.
Overall, the aim of this PhD research will be to understand the viability of fully autonomous monitoring systems for long-term, safe and efficient monitoring of subsurface fluid storage solutions associated with geoenergy applications that are deemed essential as we move to a NetZero future.
The Ph.D. project would suit an enthusiastic, professional and proactive candidate with a M.Sc. in Remote Sensing, Unmanned Aircraft/Drone Technology, Geoscience, Engineering Sciences, Earth Sciences, Petroleum Geology, Engineering Geology or similar.
This Ph.D. project is well aligned and connected to facilitate the successful candidate into a career in academia, government/regulatory agency, a research centre or industry.
Affiliations: The Lyell Centre, Institute of Geoenergy Engineering and the Robotarium
The supervisory team consists of Dr Aaron Cahill, Dr Dan Arnold and Dominic Tatum
Funding notes:
This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees for UK-based students and provide an annual stipend in line with EPSRC recommended levels (currently £17,668) for the 48 months duration of the project.
International candidates will need to demonstrate that they (or their supervisory team) have co-funding to cover the difference between home and international fees to be eligible. The difference in fees varies by programme. The current difference for 2023/23 academic year varies from £11,000 and £21,000 per year for 4 years.
Eligibility
This scholarship is available to Home students only unless co-funding can be demonstrated (as detailed under funding notes).
To be eligible, applicants should have a first-class honours degree in a relevant subject or a 2.1 honours degree plus Masters (or equivalent experience). Individual projects may include additional eligibility criteria, in which case, this will be stated under the project description.
We recognise that not every talented researcher will have had the same opportunities to advance their careers. We therefore will account for any particular circumstances that applicants disclose (e.g. parental leave, caring duties, part-time jobs to support studies, disabilities etc.) to ensure an inclusive and fair recruitment process.
How to apply
To apply you must complete our online application form..
Please select the relevant PhD Applied Geoscience and include the full project title, reference number and supervisor name on your application form. You will also need to provide a CV, a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference.
Please contact Aaron Cahill ([Email Address Removed]) for informal information.
If you have any general queries about the applications process, please contact [Email Address Removed]
Timeline
The closing date for applications is 10 April 2023 and applicants must be available to start in September 2023.
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