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Mechanistic Analysis of Serpentinization and Flow Dynamics in Natural Hydrogen Generation and Recovery

Reference no.
EGIS2025-GW
Closing date

Scope and Objective

This research aims to investigate the coupled geochemical and flow dynamics mechanisms driving subsurface hydrogen generation through serpentinization. A key focus will be on understanding how geochemical reactions interact with multiphase flow processes to control the formation, migration, and recovery of naturally occurring (gold) or stimulated hydrogen (orange).

Methodology
This research will primarily rely on numerical modelling, supported by targeted experimental work for validation. Building on our previous work in reactive transport modelling for subsurface hydrogen systems, this PhD study will employ advanced compositional simulations to investigate hydrogen generation and transport across diverse geochemical environments. A combination of commercial software (CMG/GEM, PHREEQC, and Petrel) and open-source tools (MRST/MATLAB) will be utilised to capture the complex interplay between geochemical reactions and multiphase flow dynamics.

Expected Outcomes

  • A refined mechanistic understanding of the interplay between geochemical reactions and flow dynamics in serpentinization-driven hydrogen generation.
  • Enhanced predictive models that integrate geochemical reactivity with multiphase transport behaviour.
  • Deeper insights into optimised reservoir engineering strategies for maximising natural and orange hydrogen generation and recovery.

 

Funding

This is a full scholarship which will cover tuition fees (Home and Oversees) and provide an annual stipend (£20,780 in 2025-26) for 42 months.

 

Eligibility

  1. This project is open to all students, whether home, EU or overseas.
  2. The successful candidate will have at least an upper second-class (2:1) undergraduate degree in a relevant subject area and ideally a master’s degree or evidence of significant relevant professional experience equivalent to master’s level.
  3. Applicants with a qualification in Applied Geoscience, Reservoir Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Civil Engineering, Geomaterials, Physics, Chemistry, or a related field are preferred. A strong interest in computational methods, machine learning, or thermodynamics is particularly encouraged. Previous laboratory experience is desirable.
  4. Applicants should further have a strong motivation to succeed in scientific research, excellent presentation, coding skills and scientific writing skills as well as very good to excellent English language skills (verbal and written).
  5. Scholarships will be awarded by competitive merit, considering the academic ability of the applicant. We particularly encourage female candidates to apply.

 

How to apply

  1. To apply you must complete our .
  2. Please select PhD GeoEnergy 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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 Master’s degree from one of the countries listed on the  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 the supervisory team for further information or an informal discussion: Dr Gang Wang (G.Wang@hw.ac.uk), Dr Alan Beteta (A.Beteta@hw.ac.uk) and Prof Eric Mackay (E.J.Mackay@hw.ac.uk). 

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

 

Timeline

The closing date for applications is 30th April and applicants must be available to start in September 2025.