Top 10 Geothermal Problems: Why a 24/7 Resource Still Struggles to Scale Image credit : Fida, C.E.O Geosilica... This is what scaling looks like downhole in geothermal pipes Intelligence; Strategy for the Geothermal Decade Geothermal energy is often presented as the clean firm resource that can support a renewable electricity system around the clock. It does not depend on sunshine, it can operate through calm weather, and it can provide heat and power for decades. Kenya already relies heavily on geothermal generation , Iceland uses geothermal heat across its economy, and next generation developers are now signing large power contracts with technology companies seeking reliable carbon free electricity. Yet the global geothermal sector remains small compared with solar and wind, with installed electricity capacity still near 16 GW. That gap is not caused by one obstacle. It is produced by a chain of interlocking problems involving geology, drilling, finance, permitting, public acce...
Exciting PhD Opportunity at Utrecht University: Unravelling Clogging Mechanisms in Porous and Fractured Rocks (Deadline: 14 December 2025)
Published on December 2025 By:Robert Buluma
Are you a curious MSc graduate in Earth Sciences, Geology, Physics, or a related field who wants to work on cutting-edge research that directly supports the energy transition? Then this fully funded PhD position at Utrecht University (The Netherlands) might be exactly what you’re looking for!
The Project – Why it matters
Many of tomorrow’s energy solutions geothermal energy, CO₂ storage, underground hydrogen storage , depend on injecting and extracting large volumes of fluids into the subsurface. A major risk that can kill these projects is clogging: pores and fractures gradually get blocked by particles, precipitates, or biomass, reducing permeability and sometimes stopping flow altogether.
Although individual clogging mechanisms are reasonably well studied, we still lack a good understanding of how physical, chemical, and mechanical processes interact in real time, and how these interactions differ between porous sandstones, fractured crystalline rocks, and everything in between (e.g., volcanic or altered rocks).
This PhD will use state-of-the-art 4D (time-resolved) micro-CT imaging , including beamtime at European synchrotron facilities ,to watch clogging happen live inside real rock samples while we inject fluids and apply stress. You will then turn these unique datasets into predictive digital-rock and permeability-evolution models using machine learning and open-source tools such as PuMA, CHFEM and MOOSE.
In short: you will help make subsurface energy storage safer, more efficient, and more predictable.
What you will actually do
Run in-situ flow-through experiments with the department’s Zeiss Versa 610 µCT scanner (and synchrotron beamlines when needed)
Quantify physical particle deposition, chemical precipitation, and stress-induced particle remobilisation across a wide range of rock types
Investigate how deformation creates new preferential flow paths and redistributes clogging zones
Upscale pore-scale observations (µm) to sample-scale behaviour (cm) using integrated experimental-numerical workflows
Collaborate with the High Pressure & Temperature Lab (Dr Suzanne Hangx) and the Porous Media Lab (Dr Amir Raoof)
Develop and validate predictive models that the geothermal and storage industry can actually use
What they are looking for
Essential
MSc (by start date) in Earth Sciences, Geology, Physics, Engineering or similar
Strong quantitative skills and programming experience (Python, MATLAB, Julia, etc.)
Excellent written and spoken English
Enthusiasm for experimental work and numerical modelling
Very welcome (but not all required)**
Experience with X-ray tomography (µCT) acquisition and processing
Background in rock mechanics, digital rock physics, or machine learning
Previous work on flow in porous/fractured media
If you feel you tick most boxes but are unsure about one or two, still apply,they explicitly encourage candidates to get in touch if they are motivated but need to grow into certain skills.
What you get
4-year fully funded PhD position (1.0 FTE)
Starting salary €3,059 gross/month, rising to €3,881 in year 4 (scale P, Dutch universities CAO)
8% holiday allowance + 8.3% end-of-year bonus
Excellent pension, partially paid parental leave, flexible working hours
Personal training budget (~20% of your time): courses, workshops, teaching experience
A vibrant, international department with world-class labs (Geolab, Earth Simulation Lab, HPC cluster)
Support with visa, housing search (via International Service Desk), and settling in Utrecht
Start date: preferably 1 February 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter.
Application deadline
14 December 2025 (very soon!)
How to apply
Only via the official Utrecht University portal (click the “APPLY NOW” button on the original vacancy page).
You will need:
Motivation letter (use the template they provide)
CV (highlight relevant courses)
Academic transcripts/grade lists (degree statements if already available)
No reference letters needed at this stage.
Original vacancy page (full details & apply button):
red-rocks
Questions?
Feel free to contact the main supervisor Dr Roberto Rizzo (r.e.rizzo@uu.nl) or Dr Suzanne Hangx (s.j.t.hangx@uu.nl) they are happy to answer informal questions.
Why Utrecht?
Beautiful historic city, 30–40 min by train from Amsterdam, fantastic cycling culture, canals, and an extremely international and supportive research environment. The Department of Earth Sciences is consistently ranked among the best in Europe for geosciences.
If you are excited about real-time imaging, sustainable subsurface use, and want to be part of the energy transition, this is one of the most attractive PhD openings in Europe right now.
Good luck ,and feel free to share this post with anyone who might be interested!
Source: Utrecht University
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