Geothermal Energy in East Africa: Rift Geothermics and Fluid Dynamics
PhD Studentship
The School of Engineering at the University of Glasgow is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake an exciting 3.5 year PhD project:
“Geothermal Energy in East Africa:Rift Geothermics and Fluid Dynamics”
Project Description
The School of Engineering of the University of Glasgow is seeking a highly motivated graduate to undertake an exciting 3.5-year PhD project entitled ‘Geothermal energy in East Africa: rift geothermics and fluid dynamics’, based under the primary supervision of Professor Paul L Younger FREng, in the Systems, Power and Energy Division of the School of Engineering, and collaborating also with the School of Geographical and Earth Sciences (Dr Daniel Koehn) and SUERC, East Kilbride (Prof Fin Stuart).
Geothermal energy is a sustainable, environmentally-friendly energy source that has the potential to decrease the reliance of the developing world on hydrocarbons. The East African Rift (EAR) is a classical continental rift that extends from the Red Sea-Afar triple junction to Mozambique in the south. The rifting is associated with extensive volcanism. Hot springs, fumaroles, boiling pools, geysers and sulphur deposits are abundant, especially in the Afar, Ethiopian and Kenyan rift sections. The region has the potential to generate over 15 GW of energy from geothermal activity.
The exploitation of geothermal energy in the EAR is in early stages, largely limited to Kenya. The source of fluids and heat in the potential geothermal fields is essential for determining their viability, and in general they are poorly understood in the region. The chemistry and isotopic composition of fluids and gases are essential for tracing the magmatic- (e.g. δ13CCO2 and 3He/4He) and crust-derived (e.g. δDH2O δ18OH2O, δ13CCH4) components of the fluids, as well as determining the equilibration temperature and subsequent fluid history. All of these need elucidation for rational engineering design.
We aim to characterise the contribution of deep and shallow components to geothermal fluids and, ultimately, elucidate the hydrothermal fluid regime of high-enthalpy systems such as Aluto Langano, Fantale, Olkaria and Menengai. Major gas chemistry, and stable and noble gas isotopes will be used to trace the source of gaseous components in natural emanations and fluids sampled during exploratory drilling, test venting and production. We will also compare and contrast these systems with high-enthalpy fields not associated with any obvious volcano.
The project will benefit from close interaction with Cluff Geothermal (www.cluffgeothermal.com), who are currently drilling 20 deep boreholes in the Menengai caldera.
Funding
The studentship is supported by the College of Science and Engineering, and it will cover home tuition fees and provide a stipend of £13,726 per annum for 3.5 years.
How to apply
Application for this scholarship is made by using the online system at the following link for admission as a postgraduate research student to the Graduate School of the College of Science and Engineering:
http://www.gla.ac.uk/research/opportunities/howtoapplyforaresearchdegree/applyonline/
It should be noted that this application is to gain admission to our PGR programme with the decision on this being based on your academic achievements, and an offer of admission may be sent out before a decision on this Scholarship is made. Candidates applying for this Scholarship will have their applications further vetted as to acceptability to this Scholarship and will most likely have an interview/discussion with the supervisor before any decision is made
Contacts
For an informal discussion or for further information on this project, potential applicants are encouraged to contact Professor Paul L Younger, paul.younger@glasgow.ac.uk, tel. 0141 330 5042.
Closing Date
Closing date – 6th September 2013.