The Experimental Rock Deformation Group (High Pressure and Temperature Lab) at Utrecht University is looking for 1 highly motivated PhD candidate to work on laboratory experiments and numerical modelling of mine water thermal energy storage. This PhD project is part of the EU RFCS-funded GeoSolar project, which aims to advance high-temperature thermal energy storage technologies and support the just transition of Europe’s end-of-life coal mines. Within this PhD project, you will perform experimental characterisation of mine goaf rocks from selected end-of-life coal mines, focusing on their thermal, hydrological and mechanical properties under in-situ pressure and temperature conditions. You will also develop and apply fully-coupled thermo-hydro-mechanical models to simulate mine water flow and heat storage dynamics within underground mine systems. The research findings will inform the evaluation of the potential for seasonal heat storage and recovery, with the aim of optimising operational performance and energy efficiency in mine water thermal energy storage systems.

The application deadline is 15 June 2025. More details can be found here.

Contact: w.cao2@uu.nl