Regulation of well decommissioning and carbon capture

There is a requirement to decommission aging offshore petroleum assets, including well decommissioning. This process provides the opportunity for assets and resources to be utilised for the storage of carbon dioxide.

This scholarship will encompass geoscience and regulatory aspects of well decommissioning and/or carbon capture and storage.

Key details

Reference number

20244067

For course

MRes Year 2 + PhD

Key dates

Applications close 31 October 2024

Student type

Domestic, International

Area of study

Law, science

Stipend value
(Direct payment)

$38,500 p.a. (2025 rate)

The project aims to examine existing regulatory frameworks around well plugging and abandoning (P&A) and the need for altered requirements when considering reusing depleted reservoirs for CO2 storage. Therefore, the aims of the project are to:

  • examine existing regulations in Australia regarding well P&A to identify regulatory gaps
  • examine the geoscience/technical requirements for well abandonment in reservoirs where carbon dioxide storage may occur at a future date
  • analyse legislative responses in analogous jurisdiction for well P&A in reservoirs to be utilised for CO2 storage
  • recommend legislative and regulatory changes for well P&A to encompass CO2 for well storage in depleted reservoirs.

Availability

The scholarship is available to candidates eligible to undertake a four-year MRes Year 2 + PhD program.

Earth scientists with experience in regulation are encouraged to apply.

Components

The scholarship comprises:

  • a tuition fee offset
  • a living allowance stipend.

The value of the stipend scholarship is $38,500 per annum (full-time, indexed) for up to four years.