Energy security vs. energy import costs: assessing the role of Offshore Wind Power

This Research Project is part of the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience’s Energy Economics Cluster.

The CDT is a partnership between Hull, Durham, Loughborough and Sheffield universities, along with over 40 industry partners. We will welcome over 65 funded doctoral researchers between 2024 and 2028. Join us to tackle some of the biggest research challenges, in a supportive environment where you can grow your own career while you help grow the offshore wind industry.

This study will investigate the pivotal role of wind turbine owners’ decisions and the policy alternatives aimed at increasing the integration of offshore wind energy into electricity grids.

In response to escalating concerns about climate change, local air pollution, the fluctuation in fossil fuel prices, energy security challenges, and the potential depletion of fossil fuel resources, governments worldwide have taken proactive measures at various administrative levels. These actions entail the implementation of policies aimed at fortifying the presence of renewable energy sources within their electricity sectors. These supportive policies exhibit diverse structures, with advocates asserting their indispensability in nurturing the development of emerging renewable industries, propelling technological advancements, achieving economies of scale, and fostering competition with well-established sectors.

Among the earliest renewable energy technologies to receive substantial promotion, wind energy stands out due to its maturity and cost-effectiveness relative to other renewable options. As a result, it has emerged as the favoured choice for numerous nations as they embark on their initial endeavours to address climate-related imperatives.

A potential game-changer for offshore wind lies in the commercial development of floating technologies, enabling the deployment of large wind turbines in waters deeper than 50-60 meters, where building fixed foundations remains technically impractical and economically unviable. Many decarbonisation scenarios envision offshore wind as a key player in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, especially in light of sustained cost reductions and technological advancements that facilitate the utilisation of wind resources in deeper waters. Beyond electricity generation, offshore wind holds substantial potential for hydrogen production and energy storage through battery systems.

The project will explore the following areas:

• Energy Security Implications: Examine how offshore wind power contributes to enhancing energy security by utilising domestic renewable resources. Assess the extent to which offshore wind can reduce a nation’s dependence on imported fossil fuels and mitigate associated geopolitical and economic risks.
• Policy and Regulatory Frameworks: Investigate the role of policy and regulatory frameworks in promoting offshore wind development while addressing concerns related to energy security. Analyse the impact of government incentives and regulations on investment decisions.
• Technological Advancements: Explore the latest technological advancements in offshore wind power generation and transmission, assessing their potential to reduce costs and enhance energy security.

To achieve this objective, the project will adopt both a theoretical and empirical methods of analysis, with a particular focus on the UK offshore wind farm development.

Training & Skills

The student will develop a wide range of numerical modelling and programming skills that will provide excellent career opportunities in both academia and industry.

You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme for the new student intake, drawing on the expertise and facilities of all four academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.

Entry Requirements

If you have received or expect to achieve before starting your PhD programme a First-class Honours degree, or a 2:1 Honours degree and a Masters, or a Distinction at Masters level a degree (or the international equivalents) in economics, energy economics, environmental science or related fields, and have strong analytical, quantitative and interdisciplinary collaboration skills, we would like to hear from you.

If your first language is not English, or you require a Student Visa to study, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency level that meets the requirements of the Aura CDT’s academic partners. This course requires academic IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each skill. Please contact [email protected] for further guidance or questions.

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