Delano Henry is in the second year of his PhD at Kingston University
A key challenge for the UK is to transition to a low carbon energy future. Although controversial, the current UK government believes that shale gas has the potential to provide greater energy security, growth and jobs to the UK.
Delano Henry’s project investigates how effective laser Raman spectroscopy is in measuring the thermal alteration of organic matter in shale gas reservoirs. Laser Raman spectroscopy may become one of the industry standards in the future as it offers a rapid and cheap alternative to current industry standards.
Being able to precisely locate optimum thermally altered intervals in shale gas reservoirs will help minimise costs and reduce the amount of wells drilled. Delano’s research could also help the wider public appreciate the exploration aspects that govern shale gas and help improve understanding of how this controversial energy source can be part of a diverse energy mix in the future alongside renewable energy. As his discipline focuses on the upstream sector of the energy industry, the DTA energy group exposes Delano to how economics, politics and environmental issues can have a direct impact on the exploration and production of energy resources, as well as how the end product reaches the consumers.
