PhD Studentship in CO2 abatement

A series of recent measurement studies have shown emissions of methane and CO2 from natural (and bio) gas supply chains to be highly variable and uncertain, differing across routes, processes, regions and natural gas types. Methane emissions in particular are highly varied and have a much stronger climate impact than CO2 across different timescales. Further understanding of the variation and uncertainty in emissions across different regions is vital in order to identify where the largest reductions in supply chain impacts can occur. 

 

Objectives

The aim of the project is to create a better understanding of gas supply chain emissions and end-uses, and to quantify the best opportunities for reduction. Specifically, the study will be to conduct a detailed engineering and probabilistic assessment of methane and CO2 emissions from key global gas supply chain routes, using large datasets from recent measurement and estimation studies (e.g. from US, Canada, Australia and Russia). The project will link supply chain emissions to emissions from key end-users of gas, relating to electricity, heat, transport and chemicals production. Outputs of the study will be to determine and reduce uncertainties in emissions estimates, parametrically analysing emissions to determine the greatest opportunities for reduction.

 

Methodology

In [1], a methodology to provide a greater understanding of supply chain emissions was developed based on the use of large measurement datasets alongside detailed technological characterisation and mass and energy balancing. However, no allowance was made for regional variation and there were significant data gaps in the literature to undertake a complete study. This study goes further, by providing a detailed process characterisation of key regional gas supply chains across the globe, including piped transport and liquefied natural gas (LNG) routes. 

The study will utilise existing publicly available data sources [e.g. 2-4] and aims to work with industrial supply chain owner / operators to elucidate the natural and technological characteristics of different supply chains from pre-production through to end-use. 

The methodology will include the incorporation of large data sets to model gas supply chains by a unique mixture of the following.

• Identification of key supply chain routes;
• Process characterisation of the selected supply chain routes;
• Process engineering simulation of current and innovative process separations;
• Environmental and economic life cycle assessment, including probabilistic modelling.

The individual sections will be brought together to analyse where the greatest potential to reduce emissions exist from an environmental and economic perspective. This will help target industrial investment and regulatory opportunities to reduce emissions at least cost and identify key at-risk areas where further innovation is required. 

 

Requirements to fill the position

This project would be suitable only for Brazilian candidates or foreigners with permanent address in Brazil highly motivated to help towards decarbonising energy systems. Candidates must have an undergraduate and / or master's degree in Chemical or Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry or a similar related subject. The role requires a strong statistics background, programming skills and experience with simulation software (e.g. Aspen Hysys, Matlab), as well as excellent written and oral communication skills. 

Minimum grade for PhD Brazilian applicants in Imperial College is 7.5 out of 10 and a minimum 6,5 IELTS score. 

 

Information about the scholarship

The selected candidate will be covered for full tuition and a scholarship from Brazil's National Council for Scientific and Technological Development (CNPq).

(REF 19PhD-IC 6)

 

References 

[1] Balcombe, P., N. P. Brandon and A. D. Hawkes (2018). "Characterising the distribution of methane and carbon dioxide emissions from the natural gas supply chain." Journal of Cleaner Production 172: 2019-2032. 

[2] Day, S., A. Tibbett, S. Sestak, C. Knight, P. Marvig, S. McGarry, S. Weir, S. White, S. Armand, J. v. Holst, R. Fry, M. Dell‘Amico, B. Halliburton and M. Azzi (2016). Methane and Volatile Organic Compound Emissions in New South Wales. Australia, CSIRO: 1-332. 

[3] Zimmerle, D. J., L. L. Williams, T. L. Vaughn, C. Quinn, R. Subramanian, G. P. Duggan, B. Willson, J. D. Opsomer, A. J. Marchese, D. M. Martinez and A. L. Robinson (2015). "Methane Emissions from the Natural Gas Transmission and Storage System in the United States." Environmental Science & Technology 49(15): 9374-9383 

[4] Lyon, D. R., R. A. Alvarez, D. Zavala-Araiza, A. R. Brandt, R. B. Jackson and S. P. Hamburg (2016). "Aerial Surveys of Elevated Hydrocarbon Emissions from Oil and Gas Production Sites." Environmental Science & Technology 50(9): 4877-4886. 

More information about the fellowship is at: fapesp.br/oportunidades/2669.