Subsurface Energy Storage Through Reservoir Repressurisation in the North Sea UK Continental Shelf

Project Code: SCARSELLI_RHUL_ARIES27

Subsurface Energy Storage Through Reservoir Repressurisation in the North Sea UK Continental Shelf

Project Code: SCARSELLI_RHUL_ARIES27

Project Description

Supervisors

Dr Nicola Scarselli, Faculty of Science, Royal Holloway, University of London – contact me

Professor Dave Waltham, Royal Holloway University of London

Dr Jonathan Paul, Royal Holloway University of London

Professor Jürgen Adam, Royal Holloway University of London

 

Scientific Background

Power generation by UK offshore wind creates a strong opportunity for large-scale energy storage. Current research suggests that energy storage at scale could be achieved by storing compressed air or hydrogen in salt caverns. An alternative approach is to temporarily pump seawater into depleted oil and gas reservoirs, which are abundant in the North Sea, raising their reservoir pressure. Stored water at high pressure could subsequently be released through turbines when electricity is required. Using existing offshore infrastructure and seawater could provide a practical, low-carbon energy storage solution. However, its energy performance, technical feasibility and environmental implications require evaluation.

 

Research Methodology

In this project, the student will build numerical models for representative North Sea reservoirs to estimate achievable power rates and energy-storage capacity. The student will simulate pressure changes through time and assess how reservoir and seal properties affect performance. The project will also consider the environmental effects of seawater injection and production. Using public subsurface datasets, alongside information on current energy infrastructure and wind-farm development, the PGR will screen and rank potential sites across the North Sea continental shelf.

 

Training

The student will gain skills in seismic interpretation, 3D reservoir modelling, numerical simulation and data integration. Working with academic and industry experts at Royal Holloway, they will develop experience in communicating results to both academic researchers and energy-sector stakeholders.

 

Person Specification

Applicants should have a strong degree in geoscience, geophysics, engineering, physics, or a related discipline. An interest in subsurface energy storage and quantitative analysis is essential. Prior coding experience is desirable.

References

  • Subsurface Flow Batteries: Concept, Benefits and Hurdles Waltham, D., Holt, K. B., Kuenzel, S., Basu, A. & Lecoeur, N., 30 Aug 2023, In: Geological Society, London, Special Publications. 528, 1, p. 491-505 15 p.
  • Exploring the predictive power of seismic geomorphology to assess sedimentary characteristics of gravity-flow deposits - examples from offshore East and West Africa reservoirs Scarselli, N., 25 Mar 2022, (E-pub ahead of print) In: Geological Society, London, Special Publications. 525
  • Zhang, Xinjing, et al. Advanced compressed air energy storage systems: fundamentals and applications. Engineering 34 (2024): 246-269.
  • Hansen, S., and J. Adam. "Exploring the Potential for Grid-Scale Subsurface Energy Storage in Salt Structures in the Southern North Sea." Fifth EAGE Global Energy Transition Conference & Exhibition (GET 2024). Vol. 2024. No. 1. European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, 2024.

Key Information

  • This studentship has been shortlisted for funding under the UKRI NERC DLA funding scheme and will commence on 1 October 2027. The closing date for applications is 23:59 on 16 December 2026.
  • Successful candidates who meet UKRI’s eligibility criteria will be awarded a fully-funded studentship, which covers fees, maintenance stipend (£21,805 p.a. for 2026/27) and a research training and support grant (RTSG). A limited number of studentships are available for international applicants, with the difference between 'home' and 'international' fees being waived by the registering university. Please note, however, that ARIES funding does not cover additional costs associated with relocation to, and living in, the UK, such as visa costs or the health surcharge.
  • ARIES postgraduate researchers (PGRs) benefit from bespoke training and ARIES provides £2,500 to every student for access to external training, travel and conferences, on top of all Research Costs associated with the project. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses. Excellent applicants from quantitative disciplines with limited experience in environmental sciences may be considered for an additional 3-month stipend to take advanced-level courses.
  • ARIES is committed to equality, diversity, widening participation and inclusion in all areas of its operation. We encourage enquiries and applications from all sections of the community regardless of gender, ethnicity, disability, age, sexual orientation and transgender status. Academic qualifications are considered alongside non-academic experience, and our recruitment process considers potential with the same weighting as past experience.
  • All ARIES studentships may be undertaken on a part-time or full-time basis. International applicants should check whether there are any conditions of visa or immigration permission that preclude part-time study. All advertised project proposals have been developed with consideration of a safe, inclusive and appropriate research and fieldwork environment with respect to protected characteristics. If you have any concerns, please contact us.
  • For further information, please contact the supervisor. To apply for this Studentship, follow the instructions at the bottom of the page or click the 'apply now' link.
  • ARIES is required by our funders to collect Equality and Diversity Information from all of our applicants. The information you provide will be used solely for monitoring and statistical purposes; it will remain confidential and will be stored on the UEA SharePoint server. Data will not be shared with those involved in making decisions on the award of Studentships and will have no influence on the success of your application. It will only be shared outside of this group in an anonymised and aggregated form. You will be asked to complete the form by the University to which you apply.
  • ARIES studentships are subject to UKRI terms and conditions. Postgraduate Researchers are expected to live within reasonable distance of their host organisation for the duration of their studentship. Please see https://www.ukri.org/publications/terms-and-conditions-for-training-funding/ for more information.

Apply Now

Apply now via the Royal Holloway Application Portal