PhD: Global CO₂ Storage Capacity – Modelling Limitations of Geography and Injectivity Imperial College London in United Kingdom

This PhD opportunity, hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF) at Imperial College London, focuses on the global capacity for CO₂ storage and the modelling of limitations arising from geography and injectivity. Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a critical technology for climate change mitigation, enabling the injection of large volumes of CO₂ into suitable subsurface geologic formations. Recent IPCC scenarios estimate a storage demand approaching 15 Gt CO₂ per year by 2050, but these models often overlook constraints such as the geographic availability of reservoirs and pressure limitations affecting injection rates.

The successful candidate will extend and refine a suite of models developed by the research group to evaluate how geographic and reservoir injectivity constraints may create bottlenecks in large-scale CO₂ storage deployment. The project aims to construct plausible development trajectories for CO₂ storage, which can be integrated into energy systems models used by the IPCC to outline techno-economic pathways for climate mitigation.

The CDT-GIF is a partnership between Heriot Watt University, Imperial College London, and the Universities of Sheffield and Bath, funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) and supported by industrial partners. Students benefit from access to a wide range of academic expertise, resources, and facilities, as well as a challenging programme designed for top-performing junior researchers. Training includes residential taught courses at partner universities, covering life cycle analysis, technoeconomics, business models, policy and regulation, public engagement, and plant operation. Additional opportunities include international visits, industrial placements, and a bespoke net-zero leadership programme.

Funding for this four-year programme includes full UK fees, a tax-free stipend (£20,780 for 2025/2026 plus approximately £2,000 London weighting), and a budget for travel and consumables. The programme starts in September 2026, with applications accepted year-round.

Applicants should hold a First-class or 2:1 MEng or MSc with merit (over 60%) in Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience, or a related field. Candidates with relevant MA degrees in socio-politico-economic topics may also be considered. Those with a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and significant industry or research experience are encouraged to apply. All candidates must meet the entry requirements of Imperial College London.

For further information or enquiries, contact [email protected]. Application details and programme information are available at CDT Green Industrial Futures and the FindAPhD project page.