We’re spearheading a groundbreaking research initiative that will drive the UK’s transition to low-carbon energy and foster innovation in geoenergy technologies.
Supported by significant investment from industry, the project brings together leading experts in geoscience, engineering, and social science to advance sustainable energy solutions.
The partnership includes Durham, Liverpool, Manchester, and Newcastle universities - members of the N8 Research Partnership - alongside Royal Holloway, University of London.
Industry and academic partnership
The research partnership has received major funding support from Eni S.p.A., a global energy tech company and operator of the CO2 transportation and storage infrastructures for the HyNet North-West Cluster. The project will leverage global expertise to support HyNet’s objective to decarbonise the North-West of England and North Wales.
The research programme focuses on providing the means to reduce regional CO2 emissions by safely capturing and permanently storing CO2 from difficult to decarbonise heavy industry.
It will also explore the geological resources of the North-West, North Wales, and the East Irish Sea Basin, which offer significant potential to support the UK’s energy transition.
These resources include geothermal energy, net-zero carbon natural gas, and storage options for CO₂, hydrogen, compressed air, geothermal heat, and high-level nuclear waste.
The project aims to integrate surface and subsurface energy processes, reuse by-products, and create a low-impact energy system that could serve as a model for other regions in the UK and beyond.
Career research opportunities
Over the next three and a half years, the programme will create up to 14 PhD studentships and several postdoctoral research positions.
Durham Energy Institute’s Multidisciplinary Centre for Postgraduate Training in Energy will deliver bespoke training, enabling students to examine energy challenges from multiple perspectives.
Research will cover cutting-edge subsurface technologies such as carbon capture and storage, hydrogen storage, CO₂ plume geothermal, and deep geothermal systems.
A dedicated PhD researcher will also assess the social and economic implications of these innovations.
This ambitious collaboration between academia and industry aims to strengthen UK energy security, sustainability, and affordability while creating new opportunities for jobs, growth, and social inclusion.
Eni’s support will enable the consortium to assess geoenergy resources and develop plans for a sustainable, low-carbon energy sector in the region.
Find out more
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