CO2 Geological Storage in a Mature Hydrocarbon Province: Example of the South African Bredasdorp Basin

There are several depleted gas reservoirs in the offshore Bredasdorp Basin of South Africa. This project aims to comprehensively study and develop a methodology for evaluating the remaining secondary and tertiary recoverable potential of gas fields, with a view to then using these and the associated aquifer volumes for CO2 storage, either coincidentally or sequentially. Data will be collected, collated and analysed for gas fields that have been in production since 1992, and will provide exemplars for the developed methodology. The project will address how best to maximise CO2 storage in the context of ongoing mature hydrocarbon recovery in the Bredasdorp Basin, and beyond Cessation of Production, addressing synergistic opportunities as well as conflicting objectives.

To achieve this goal static and dynamic modelling of the depleted assets will be performed, including but not limited to static modelling, history matching and field development modelling. Review of selected data, summary analysis, qualitative assessment of the storage complex: reservoir quality and development, seal quality and extension, structural complexity,

reservoir fluid types and properties, and geo-mechanical context will all be used to calculate capacity, injectivity and containment for carbon storage and utilization.

The project aims to provide learnings applicable to establishing a CCUS business case for the utilization of current depleted pore space for storage of CO2 and other fluids storage in basins which have and continue to be active hydrocarbon gas production systems, with learnings applicable worldwide.

Funding:

This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees (Home and Oversees) and provide an annual stipend (£19,237 in 2024-25) for 42 months. Thereafter, candidates will be expected to pay a continuing affiliation fee (currently £130) whilst they complete writing up their thesis.

Eligibility:

This scholarship is open to all students, whether home, EU or overseas.

The successful candidate will have at least an upper second-class (minimum 2:1) BSc in Petroleum Engineering or related discipline and an MSc or Post Graduate Diploma in Petroleum Engineering or related discipline.

Minimum 5 years’ industry experience in Reservoir Engineering. Experience relevant to region of study advantageous.

Ability to travel to South Africa for 2 months per annum to

a)      Collect, collate and analyse field data

b)     Meet with local members of supervision team to review results and plan ongoing research

c)     Present results at local conferences/workshops

Where more than one candidate of equivalent qualifications and experience, women candidates will be preferred

How to Apply:

To apply you must complete our online application form.

Please select PhD Petroleum Engineering as the programme and include the full project title and reference number (EGIS2024-EM) on your application form. Ensure that all fields marked as ‘required’ are complete.

Once have entered your personal details, click submit. You will be asked to upload your supporting documents. You must complete the section marked project proposal; please provide a written proposal (3-5 A4 pages), including a supporting statement outlining your suitability and how you would approach the project.

You must also upload your CV, a copy of your degree certificate and relevant transcripts and an academic reference in the relevant section of the application form.

You must also provide proof of your ability in the English language (if English is not your mother tongue). 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 an overall score of at least 85, including reading 20, listening 19, speaking 20 and writing 21. Alternatively, if you have received an English-taught Bachelors or Masters degree from one of the countries listed on the UK Government Guidance under ‘Who does not need to prove their knowledge of English’, and it was obtained less than two years from your intended start date, you should provide evidence of your award that clearly states it was delivered and assessed in English language.

Please contact Prof Eric Mackay (E.J.Mackay@hw.ac.uk) for further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact egis-pgr-apps@hw.ac.uk for technical support with your application.

Timeline:

The closing date for applications is 5 July 2024 and candidates should be available to start in September. We expect interviews to take place in July.