Assessing Effect of Greenhouse Gases Emission Reduction with Variable Renewable Energy Implementation in Marine Climate Islands

Summary

The UK has set a Net Zero target by 2050, which means no longer adding to the total amount of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. The two main greenhouse gases (GHGs) are carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4). Integrating renewable energy for energy supply will be a key solution, especially to find an optimized solution with renewable energy (RE) implementation for power generation to replace fossil fuels.

The effects of reducing greenhouse gases through the implementation of renewable energy sources are complicated and influenced by multiple factors, including geographical area, availability and intermittency of renewable energy sources, peatland CO2 release, local economy, and policies, etc. It is essential to study the reduction of CO2 & CH4 with different renewable energy installations as a comprehensive task and also worth exploring the effects of individual factors.

Satellites provide the ability to retrieve XCO2, and their XCO2 data products have been used to improve our knowledge of natural and anthropogenic CO₂& CH₄ sources and sinks. The project aims at exploiting the synergic measurements together with RE technology implementation and advanced artificial intelligence to quantify the effect of REs in the terrestrial carbon cycle. The objectives will include utilizing the observation data from satellites to:

• Investigate the energy demanding, the greenhouse emission and installation of RE in the region of Ireland, UK.
• Study the effect of implementing the REs for the power generation with wind, solar and ocean sink to reduce greenhouse gas emission.
• Provide policy makers with the evidence of CO₂& CH₄ reduction over regions that have integrated REs as energy suppliers.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

Our fully funded PhD scholarships will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £19,237 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of £900 per annum is also available.

These scholarships, funded via the Department for the Economy (DfE) and the Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS), are open to applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.