UNIVERSITY OF LIVERPOOL · UNITED KINGDOM
Hydrogen Storage in Engineered Caverns in Mid–Upper Triassic Salt of the East Irish Sea Basin
PhD · Taught in en · UCAS ENVI002
At a glance
42 mo
Duration
—
IELTS
€6k
Tuition / yr
en
Language
PhD
Level
- Uses over 200 well logs and 10 3D seismic surveys.Data Scope
- Industry-funded project with Eni.Industry Partnership
- Combines subsurface modeling with salt mine fieldwork.Research Approach
- Directly supports the low-carbon energy transition.Impact
- Training in industry-standard software (Techlog, Petrel).Skills Development
- Collaborative project with Durham and Manchester Universities.Collaboration
This PhD project focuses on assessing the potential of Triassic salt formations beneath the East Irish Sea as sites for underground hydrogen storage. You will analyze extensive well log and seismic data using industry-standard software to characterize these geological formations. The research is part of a multi-university project funded by Eni, combining subsurface modeling with practical fieldwork in salt mines, aiming to contribute to the development of low-carbon energy solutions.
Curriculum
The PhD is structured over 3.5 years, with the first year dedicated to comprehensive training and data familiarization. Subsequent years involve progressive development towards independent interpretation, integration of seismic and well data, and map production. The final year focuses on synthesizing findings, writing the thesis, and communicating results.
- Year 1
- Software skills training (Petrel, Techlog)
- Data familiarization
- Initial well log compilation
- Years 2-3
- Independent interpretation
- Seismic and well data integration
- Map production
- Year 4
- Synthesis of results
- Thesis writing
- Communicating results
Careers
Graduates will possess the technical depth and industry credibility to directly enter roles at the intersection of subsurface geoscience and the growing low-carbon energy sector, including hydrogen storage and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS).
- Subsurface Geoscientist
- Hydrogen Storage Specialist
- CCS Geoscientist
- Petroleum Geoscientist
- Research Scientist
Frequently asked questions
- What are the tuition fees and living costs for this PhD programme?
- This is a fully funded studentship which covers full tuition fees at £5,238 pa (for 2026-27) for both home and international students. Additionally, it provides a maintenance grant of £21,805 pa (for 2026-27 UKRI standard rate).
- What is the duration of this PhD programme?
- The PhD project is structured over 3.5 years, with the first year dedicated to comprehensive training and data familiarization.
- What are the academic entry requirements for this PhD?
- Applicants should have a 2.1 degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Exceptional candidates with significant relevant experience will also be considered.
- What support is available for international students regarding English language proficiency?
- International applicants should check the 'Choose your own country' section on the application portal for specific country requirements, as English language proficiency details are not explicitly listed.
- How do I apply for this PhD opportunity?
- You need to review the project details, contact the supervisors if you have questions, prepare documents including a research proposal and CV, and submit an online application via the University of Liverpool's postgraduate research application form.
- What are the career prospects after completing this PhD?
- Graduates will be equipped for roles in the low-carbon energy sector, such as Subsurface Geoscientist, Hydrogen Storage Specialist, or CCS Geoscientist, leveraging their technical depth and industry credibility.
Entry requirements
Bachelors DegreeA 2.1 or equivalent in a relevant subject. Exceptional candidates with significant relevant experience will also be considered.
Entry requirements shown are for UK applicants. International applicants should contact the university for specific country requirements or check the 'Choose your own country' section on the application portal.
Fees
Tuition (international)£5,238 pa (for 2026-27). This is covered by the studentship.
Tuition (home)£5,238 pa (for 2026-27). This is covered by the studentship.
LivingMaintenance grant of £21,805 pa (for 2026-27 UKRI standard rate).
This is an industry-funded studentship covering full tuition fees and providing a maintenance grant for 3.5 years. Additional funding is available through a Research Training Support Grant for consumables and conference attendance. This studentship is open to both home and international students.
How to apply
1. 1. Review Project and Contact SupervisorsFamiliarize yourself with the project details. Contact the listed supervisors (Professor Richard Worden, Professor Peter Burgess, Dr. Emma Michie) via email if you have initial questions.
2. 2. Prepare Application DocumentsGather the necessary documents for your online application. This typically includes a research proposal, university transcripts and degree certificates, passport details (for international applicants), English language certificates (for international applicants), a personal statement, a CV, and contact details for two academic referees.
3. 3. Submit Online ApplicationComplete the University of Liverpool's online postgraduate research application form. Make sure to clearly state the project title ('Hydrogen storage in engineered caverns...') and reference number (ENVI002).
4. 4. Application Submission and Follow-upSubmit your application through the University of Liverpool application portal. You will receive an email acknowledgment. The Admissions Team will review your application and contact you with further information regarding the next steps in the process.
Scholarships
Eni-funded PhD StudentshipCovers full tuition fees (£5,238 pa for 2026-27) and provides a maintenance grant (£21,805 pa for 2026-27 UKRI standard rate).
Research Training Support GrantVariable, for consumables, conference attendance, etc.
Frequently asked questions
What are the tuition fees and living costs for this PhD programme?
+
This is a fully funded studentship which covers full tuition fees at £5,238 pa (for 2026-27) for both home and international students. Additionally, it provides a maintenance grant of £21,805 pa (for 2026-27 UKRI standard rate).
What is the duration of this PhD programme?
+
The PhD project is structured over 3.5 years, with the first year dedicated to comprehensive training and data familiarization.
What are the academic entry requirements for this PhD?
+
Applicants should have a 2.1 degree or equivalent in a relevant subject. Exceptional candidates with significant relevant experience will also be considered.
What support is available for international students regarding English language proficiency?
+
International applicants should check the 'Choose your own country' section on the application portal for specific country requirements, as English language proficiency details are not explicitly listed.
How do I apply for this PhD opportunity?
+
You need to review the project details, contact the supervisors if you have questions, prepare documents including a research proposal and CV, and submit an online application via the University of Liverpool's postgraduate research application form.
What are the career prospects after completing this PhD?
+
Graduates will be equipped for roles in the low-carbon energy sector, such as Subsurface Geoscientist, Hydrogen Storage Specialist, or CCS Geoscientist, leveraging their technical depth and industry credibility.