Modelling of microbial induced hydrogen loss for underground hydrogen storage

About the Project

Hydrogen is identified to play a key role in the UK’s goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. To meet this target, the UK needs hydrogen storage capacity of at least 15 TWh (~ 450k tonnes) meet short-term and seasonal supply and demand variability. Currently, the UK only has one hydrogen storage facility in Teesside, with a capacity of ~30 GWh (0.9k tonnes of hydrogen) in salt caverns.

Underground hydrogen storage in depleted oil/gas reservoirs has been considered to provide grid-scale hydrogen storage capacity to support the UK’s energy transition for net zero emissions. Hydrogen, however, is one of the most important electron donors for many subsurface microbial processes, including methanogenesis, sulfate reduction, and acetogenesis. These processes could induce hydrogen loss in the storage facilities and compromise quality of the extracted gas.

This project aims to develop numerical capability to assess microbial induced hydrogen loss for underground hydrogen storage. The developed numerical capability will be based on our in-house model (GPSFLOW) and validated against reported data. Further numerical assessments will be conducted based on UK ongoing and potential gas storage facilities. The outcome from the project will provide evidence-based decision-making for the future role of underground hydrogen storage for the UK’s energy transition.

Academic qualifications

First degree (minimum 2:1 classification) in Engineering, or Computing

English language requirement

IELTS score must be at least 6.5 (with not less than 6.0 in each of the four components). Other, equivalent qualifications will be accepted. Full details of the University’s policy are available online.

Subject knowledge:

• Mathematics
• Multiphase flow

Essential attributes:

• Competent in C++ programming
• Knowledge of Geology and thermodynamic
• Good written and oral communication skills
• Strong motivation, with evidence of independent research skills relevant to the project
• Good time management

APPLICATION CHECKLIST

• Completed application form
• CV
• 2 academic references, using the Postgraduate Educational Reference Form (download)
• Research project outline of 2 pages (list of references excluded). The outline may provide details about
  1. Background and motivation of the project. The motivation, explaining the importance of the project, should be supported also by relevant literature. You can also discuss the applications you expect for the project results.
  2. Research questions or objectives.
  3. Methodology: types of data to be used, approach to data collection, and data analysis methods.
  4. List of references.
• The outline must be created solely by the applicant. Supervisors can only offer general discussions about the project idea without providing any additional support.
• Statement no longer than 1 page describing your motivations and fit with the project.
• Evidence of proficiency in English (if appropriate)

To be considered, the application must use

• the advertised title as project title

For informal enquiries about this PhD project, please contact z.cai@napier.ac.uk

PhD Start Date: October 2026