Research that will improve our understanding about the potential of unconventional oil and gas in tight rocks and a design guideline for the installation of offshore wind turbines are two new research projects at The University of Western Australia to receive Federal Government funding.

The funding was announced today by Federal Minister for Education and Training, Senator Simon Birmingham under the Australian Research Council’s Linkage Projects and Future Fellowships   Schemes.

Associate Professor Britta Bienen from UWA’s Centre for Offshore Foundation Systems, in collaboration with Lloyd’s Register Group, will use a $395,000 grant to develop a design guideline for an innovative foundation concept for offshore wind turbines. This offshore technology is increasingly being considered for new developments by industry. 

She said the project will address gaps in current knowledge and result in a positive impact for industry through the development of a more reliable and economic design.

“The funding will further assist us in training young talent in offshore engineering and place UWA firmly on the map as a global player in offshore wind research,” Associate Professor Bienen said.

Professor Michael Johns from UWA’s School of Mechanical and Chemical Engineering, together with Chevron Energy, is investigating the potential hydrocarbon supplies in shale reservoirs.

He will use a $290,000 grant to develop nuclear magnetic resonance techniques to determine the amount of natural gas that can be safely extracted.   

Professor Johns said the project will develop novel nuclear magnetic resonance techniques in both the laboratory and in the field for the characterisation of unconventional reservoirs.

“This funding will allow for a more fundamental study of these complex rock structures, allowing for much better informed decision making regards field development,” Professor Johns said. 

More than $6 million of ARC funding over four years was announced for a further eight UWA research projects under the Future Fellowships scheme that supports innovative research in areas of critical national importance.

The UWA projects span research across the areas of molecular and biological sciences, physics, astronomy and chemical engineering and will provide real benefits to society

For more information on the ARC Future Fellowships and Linkage Projects Schemes, visit the ARC website.

Media references

David Stacey (UWA Media and PR Manager)                                      08 6488 3229 / 0432 637 716