We are looking for a postdoc to work on geochemical issues associated with geothermal energy extraction in the Perth Basin - its a three year position with some possibility for further funding. Ideally the person would be somebody fairly recently out of a PhD with a good practical and theoretical feel for aqueous and mineral geochemistry and an ability to pick up and work with different software tools fairly easily. The main issues we are looking at are mineral precipitation and issues associated with dissolved gases (CO2, H2, CH4, H2S). The postdoc will be working closely with a couple of geothermal energy companies and two drilling projects here in Perth and we have the opportunity to do some fairly sophisticated analysis as the holes are being drilled so it is quite an exciting project.
We are also looking for a PhD student.
If anybody knows of such a person or people who would like to work in sunny Perth then please feel free to send them this email.
If you are interested in the position or positions yourself then please send me your CV and a covering letter before the 15th December, 2010.
A brief project description is included below.
All the best, cheers, Katy
Exploitation of geothermal energy from hot sedimentary aquifers in the Perth Basin, WA, has been demonstrated to be viable, but chemical aspects of the geothermal fluids and their interactions with equipment and the host aquifer need to be understood if these fluids are to be used effectively. Severe problems can occur as a result of scaling (mineral deposition), and the presence of gases such as CO2 and H2S. Potential issues with these problems in the Perth Basin will be assessed, and strategies designed to minimise undesirable outcomes. Results will be applicable to comparable hot sedimentary aquifers worldwide, and will increase the technical and economic viability of a widely available source of geothermal energy .
