Single Electricity Market under net-zero energy system

Summary

Are you driven to solve real-world energy challenges? Join this fully funded PhD project in collaboration with SONI Ltd and EirGrid plc, leading Transmission System Operators for Northern Ireland and Ireland. This industry-cooperative doctoral award focuses on developing a 2050 Single Electricity Market (SEM) model to support the transition to a net-zero energy system.

What’s on Offer?

• Enhanced Stipend: Generous financial support exceeding standard PhD funding.
• Industry Collaboration: Spend 3 months on-site with SONI and EirGrid, gaining hands-on experience and professional insights, as well as participate in industry-led workshops, meetings and events.
• Cutting-Edge Research: Work with advanced tools (e.g., Plexos, PyPsa, Flextool, etc.) to model scenarios for renewable integration, grid optimisation, and future energy demands.

Project Overview

The Single Electricity Market is among the world leaders in renewable energy integration. Future net-zero targets will require upscaling renewable generation and system capabilities to meet new challenges.

Energy transition demands conceptual transformations across all sectors: power, heat, transport, agriculture and industry. Sectoral integration will inevitably put new challenges on the operation of the electricity market and its infrastructure. Electrification is one of the most efficient routes for the decarbonisation of heat and transport sectors. The hydrogen economy is required for hard-to-decarbonise sectors such as high-intensity industrial processes, freight transport and electricity generation. Energy storage and demand-side responses will be key solutions to balance renewable fluctuations and support the security of supply.

A whole-system approach is required to define how the 2050 Single Electricity Market might look like bringing the synergies between the decarbonisation of various sectors, lowering the costs and being socially and politically acceptable. A range of scenarios for the electricity market development will be required to reflect competitive expert visions, technological and investment uncertainties, market design structures, infrastructure development, geopolitical visions, etc. and include both supply and demand-side transformations.

Who Should Apply?

We’re seeking candidates with a strong background in energy systems, optimisation, or related fields who are passionate about driving energy decarbonisation and tackling industry-relevant challenges.

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:

• DfE CDP Award in collaboration with SONI Ltd and EirGrid PLC

This CDP studentship offers an annual non-taxable maintenance grant of approx.£19,237 plus an additional stipend top-up of £1,000 per annum, covers three years of tuition fees (worth over £14,000), in addition to  support for research training and project running costs.

To be eligible for this scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.