Project title: Quantifying Risks and Uncertainties in Upstream Geothermal-powered Green Hydrogen Production

Eligibility: Indonesian nationals
Duration: Full-Time – between three and four years fixed term
Application deadline: 23 April 2026
Interview date: 4-8 May 2026
Start date: September 2026

For further details contact: Prof. IGN Wiratmaja (wiratmaja@itb.ac.id) and Prof. Benny Tjahjono (benny.tjahjono@coventry.ac.uk)

Introduction

Hydrogen is a key element in the energy transition because it can replace fossil fuels in sectors that are difficult to electrify, such as steel, chemicals, shipping, aviation fuels, and heavy industry. Unlike grey or blue hydrogen, green hydrogen is produced through electrolysis powered by renewable electricity, for example, using geothermal energy. Geothermal plants, unlike intermittent renewable sources, provide continuous electricity and heat. This allows electrolyzers to operate more consistently, splitting water into hydrogen and oxygen more efficiently, and potentially reducing production costs. Additionally, geothermal heat can enhance the efficiency of high-temperature electrolysis technologies, such as solid oxide electrolysis. In some cases, geothermal fluids may naturally contain small amounts of hydrogen that could also be extracted.

The upstream supply chain for geothermal-based green hydrogen (from resource characterization to production) faces significant risks and uncertainties. Geological heterogeneity can lead to unpredictable energy yields, making resource assessment difficult. Electrolyzer performance under continuous geothermal supply, especially with mineral-rich fluids, is not yet fully understood, introducing technical risks. High drilling costs and capital-intensive infrastructure add financial uncertainty, while the lack of robust planning and decision-support tools complicates supply chain integration, creating operational and logistical inefficiencies. Understanding these uncertainties is crucial to optimize system performance, reduce investment risks, and enable the scalable deployment of geothermal-powered green hydrogen.

Project details

This study adopts a mixed-methods research design, combining quantitative modelling, techno-economic analysis, geospatial assessment, and experimental evaluation. The focus is on the upstream supply chain of geothermal-powered green hydrogen, from resource characterization to hydrogen production. The research is structured around two interlinked dimensions:

• Resource characterization and variability analysis: assessing geothermal heterogeneity and its impact on energy yield.
• Technology performance evaluation: understanding electrolyzer efficiency and durability under continuous geothermal supply and mineral-rich fluids.

Possible research objectives include:

• Characterization of geothermal resource variability to quantify uncertainties in energy availability for hydrogen production.
• Assess electrolyzer performance under continuous geothermal electricity and heat.
• Evaluate economic and financial risks in upstream supply chains, focusing on drilling costs, capital investment, and operational variability.
• Development of integrated decision-support tools for site selection, production scale-up, and operational optimization.
• Development of risk mitigation strategies combining techno-economic, operational, and policy interventions to reduce uncertainty and facilitate scalable geothermal hydrogen deployment.

Funding

Tuition fees and bursary from LPDP, PDDI or potentially ITB/CU

Benefits

The successful candidate will receive comprehensive research training including technical, personal, and professional skills. All researchers at Coventry University (from PhD to Professor) are part of the Doctoral and Researcher College, which provides support with high-quality training and career development activities.

Entry requirements

• A minimum of a 2:1 first degree in a relevant discipline/subject area with a minimum 60% mark in the project element or equivalent with a minimum 60% overall module average.

PLUS

• The potential to engage in innovative research and to complete the PhD within 3.5 years.
• A minimum of English language proficiency (IELTS academic overall minimum score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component).

Academic Requirements

Applicants should have a Master’s degree in a relevant field is desirable, including but not limited to:

• Energy Systems
• Industrial Engineering
• Management Science
• Operations Research
• Mechanical Engineering
• Mathematics

Applicants should demonstrate:

• Skills in quantitative analysis (e.g., risk modelling and analysis, statistics, econometrics, or panel data analysis)
• Strong interest in renewable energy transitions and industrialisation
• Ability to work with interdisciplinary research
• Strong analytical and writing skills
• Motivation to contribute to academic publications

Skills and experience in one of the following methods is desirable:

• Data analysis tools (e.g., R, Stata, Python, or NVivo)
• Qualitative research methods (e.g., case studies, interviews)