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Dr Roberto Loza Espejel
(he/him)
Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Leader at the Net Zero Innovation Institute
Tutor in Applied Structural Geology
School of Earth and Environmental Sciences
- LozaEspejelR@cardiff.ac.uk
- Main Building, Room 1.74A, Park Place, Cardiff, CF10 3AT
- Available for postgraduate supervision
Overview
I am a motivated researcher interested in finding solutions to the energy transition and reaching net zero by 2050. I specialise in carbon capture and storage (CCS), which is key to removing large emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2) from industrial processes (e.g., steel and cement production), and its permanent storage in deep geological formations.
My research focuses on assessing the challenges and feasibility to permanently store CO2 in underexplored and structurally complex basins around the world utilising multi-scale datasets including seismic, borehole, outcrop and remote sensing.
As a Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Lead of the Net Zero Innovation Institute at Cardiff University, I am committed to increase the profile of CCS, establishing collaborations with other institutions and bridging sectors (academia, industry and government).
Publication
2021
- Loza Espejel, R., Alves, T. M. and Caçador Martins?Ferreira, M. A. 2021. Depositional and geomorphic patterns of mixed calciclastic-siliciclastic systems on a deep-water Equatorial Margin. Basin Research 33(6), pp. 3321-3347. (10.1111/bre.12604)
- Loza Espejel, R. 2021. Structural and sedimentological controls on the evolution of carbonate platforms on equatorial margins. PhD Thesis, CARDIFF UNIVERSITY.
2020
- Loza Espejel, R., Alves, T. M. and Blenkinsop, T. G. 2020. Multi-scale fracture network characterisation on carbonate platforms. Journal of Structural Geology 140, article number: 104160. (10.1016/j.jsg.2020.104160)
2019
- Loza Espejel, R., Alves, T. M. and Blenkinsop, T. G. 2019. Distribution and growth styles of isolated carbonate platforms as a function of fault propagation. Marine and Petroleum Geology 107, pp. 484-507. (10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2019.05.020)
Articles
- Loza Espejel, R., Alves, T. M. and Caçador Martins?Ferreira, M. A. 2021. Depositional and geomorphic patterns of mixed calciclastic-siliciclastic systems on a deep-water Equatorial Margin. Basin Research 33(6), pp. 3321-3347. (10.1111/bre.12604)
- Loza Espejel, R., Alves, T. M. and Blenkinsop, T. G. 2020. Multi-scale fracture network characterisation on carbonate platforms. Journal of Structural Geology 140, article number: 104160. (10.1016/j.jsg.2020.104160)
- Loza Espejel, R., Alves, T. M. and Blenkinsop, T. G. 2019. Distribution and growth styles of isolated carbonate platforms as a function of fault propagation. Marine and Petroleum Geology 107, pp. 484-507. (10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2019.05.020)
Thesis
- Loza Espejel, R. 2021. Structural and sedimentological controls on the evolution of carbonate platforms on equatorial margins. PhD Thesis, CARDIFF UNIVERSITY.
Research
My research interests are focused on developing innovative geoscience solutions to:
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
- Energy/hydrogen storage
- Energy transition
Specific areas of interest
- Applied structural geology
- Reservoir characterisation
- Prospect evaluation
- Seismic interpretation
- Carbonate sedimentology
- Fault and fracture network characterisation
- Fluid flow
- Petrophysics
- GIS and remote sensing
Teaching
Courses
- Structural Geology and Geophysical Investigation
- GIS, Maps and Analytical Skills
- Mentor in a MOOC (Massive Online Open Course) "Extreme Geological Events".
Field trips
- Structural Geology and Sedimentology field trip in South East Spain
- Structural Geology field trip in North Spain
- Exploration Geology and field skills in South England (Devon and Dorset)
- Structural Geology and the Formation of the British Isles field trip in the Isle of Arran, Scotland
- Research field expedition to Barry Island
- Field skills in the Brecon Beacons
Biography
Career Overview
- Carbon Capture and Storage Lead - Net Zero Innovation Institute (NZII) at Cardiff University
- Tutor in Applied Structural Geology- School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University (2021 - present)
- Postgraduate Demonstrator - School of Earth and Environmental Sciences, Cardiff University (2017 - 2021)
- Geology and Geophysics Consultant - Landmark Software and Services, Halliburton (2015 - 2017)
- Geology and Geophysics Associate Consultant - Landmark Software and Services, Halliburton (2014)
- Geology and Geophysics Intern - Landmark Software and Services, Halliburton (2013 - 2014)
- Geology and Geophysics Summer Internship - CGG - (2013)
Education and Qualifications
- PhD in Earth Sciences - Cardiff University (2017 - 2021)
- BSc (Hons) in Geology - National Autonomous University of Mexico (2009 - 2013)
Supervisions
- CO2 storage
- Regional and small-scale feasibility studies for CO2 reservoirs
- Reservoir modelling
- Fracture network characterisation
- Carbonate sedimentology
- Fluid flow
- Petrophysics
- 3D seismic interpretation
- Remote sensing and mapping techniques
- Structural geology
- Outcrop analogues
Research themes
Specialisms
- Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
- Structural geology and tectonics
- Applied geophysics