Numerical study of biological and geochemical reactions during hydrogen storage in subsurface porous media

Use of hydrogen is considered as one of the pillar strategies toward deploying a carbon free energy industry and achieving NetZero objectives. The successful application of H₂ in energy industry relies on the availability of sufficient capacity to store large volumes of H₂ to meet the sporadic demand. Subsurface storage of H₂ in porous media is a viable option to provide such sufficient capacity and could progress the large-scale application of the technology at grid scale.

Much work remains to be done to identify and understand key influencing factors for underground H₂ storage. One of the central unknown aspects is the purity of the back produced H₂, given the strict requirements by various end-users, such as for fuel cells (99.97%) and for combustion (98%). The stored hydrogen in subsurface may react via different mechanisms, which may lead to changes in stored H₂ properties and the loss of H₂. For example, the potential bio-genic interactions could convert hydrogen into methane, when CO₂ is pre-injected as cushion gas. Interactions of hydrogen with in-situ minerals may also consume hydrogen and the consequent by-products may further decrease the purity of the recovered H₂. In particular, the sulphur-reducing bioreactions with productions of hydrogen sulphide can add great concerns over the flow assurance and health and safety. 

The work in this PhD investigates and characterises the effects of hydrogen interactions with resident host fluids/formation on hydrogen loss and hydrogen purity. The candidate will also address if/how interactions mentioned above could affect storage formation properties; importantly, injectivity, productivity and other associated operational aspects. A solid understanding of the key influencing parameters facilitates the development of synergistic strategies to optimise the subsurface storage operation.

Literature review, as well as lessons learnt in other contexts, e.g. natural gas storage and subsurface CO₂ storage, will provide the initial insight. Nevertheless, numerical modelling will be the main tool to address the research questions. Initial modelling studies starts with simple box models to provide basic understanding, after which learnings are applied to more complex, realistic type, storage structures. 

Please refer to the website for further information about IGE's research.

Eligibility

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). Additional criteria may apply so please check the specific project details before applying. Scholarships will be awarded by competitive merit, taking into account the academic ability of the applicant.

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

Please complete our online application form. Please select PhD programme Petroleum Engineering and include the project reference, title and supervisor names on your application. If these details are not included your application may not be considered. Please note that applicants may only submit ONE proposal.

Please provide a supporting statement outlining how you would approach the research and upload this to the research proposal section of the online application. You will be required to upload a CV, a copy of your degree certificate(s) and relevant transcript(s). You may also upload an academic reference to further support your application.

You must provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue or if you have not already studied for a degree that was taught in English). We require an IELTS certificate showing an overall score of at least 6.5 with no component scoring less than 6.0 or a TOEFL certificate with a minimum score of 90 points.

Timetable

Applications will be reviewed throughout March and applicants will be notified of the outcome of their application by the end of April 2022. Applicants MUST be available to start the course of study on a full-time basis in September/October 2022.

Please refer to the website for further information.