Well integrity Assessment in Underground Hydrogen Storage

Underground hydrogen storage is one of the promising technologies to support the energy transition and help to achieve carbon net-zero goals. Different studies have investigated subsurface reservoir aspects of hydrogen storage, however there is a lack of practical research on well integrity issues during hydrogen injection, storage, and production.

Multiple mechanisms can lead to loss of wellbore integrity; these include cement matrix degradation in contact with hydrogen, hydrogen (possibly mixed with reservoir and well fluid) can migrate through existing defects in cement resulting possible degradation over time, casing corrosion, hydrogen embrittlement, etc.

This study investigates well integrity issues in underground hydrogen storage in two main types of wells classified based on their operation, design, and fluid conditions:

• Hydrogen injectors/producers, ideally these are new wells specifically designed for this application. The project will investigate possible well integrity issues in these wells followed by development of workflows to optimize well design and well operating parameters (e.g. rate, pressure) to reduce risk of well integrity issues. The possibility of reusing/repurposing existing oil and gas wells to hydrogen producer/injector will also be investigated during this work package along with the impact of repurposing wells on project risks and economics. 
• Legacy plug and abandoned (P&A) wells: The risk of integrity failure of legacy P&A wells is often the top item of the project’s leakage risk register when depleted hydrocarbon reservoirs are used for storage.

The objective of this project is to expand the current research at HWU on risk-based well integrity modelling and assessment (e.g. 1,2), to support decision making in repurposing wells and reservoir for Hydrogen storage.

1. “Developing a well-centric flow model – The first step in a risk-based approach to oil and gas well decommissioning”. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.petrol.2021.108651
2. “Development of a Probabilistic Framework for Risk-Based Well Decommissioning Design” https://doi.org/10.2118/200608-PA

Eligibility

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

The successful candidate will have at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate honours degree in the relevant subject area and ideally a Masters Degree. We may also consider candidates who can demonstrate appropriate alternative learning such as experience gained in the workplace or professional qualifications.

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 PhD Petroleum Engineering as the programme and include the full project title, reference number and supervisor name 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; provide a supporting statement (1-2 A4 pages) documenting your reasons for applying to this particular project, 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.

The primary supervisor for this project is Morteza Haghighat Sefat. Please contact [email protected] further information or an informal discussion.

Please contact [email protected] for technical support with your application.

Timeline

The closing date for applications is 12 April 2024 and applicants must be available to start in September 2024.