GIF CDT: Advancing Low Carbon Fuel Infrastructure: A Quantitative Whole System Approach to Enable Sustainable Energy Solutions and Mobility

The Green Industrial Futures Centre for Doctoral Training (GIF CDT) is inviting applications for the following project, expected to commence in September 2024.

The CDT boasts an exciting and challenging programme specifically designed for top performing junior researchers, in addition to the main area of research, including:

• Residential taught training courses at each of the partner universities to contextualise your research within the wider net zero industrial landscape.
• An industry challenge project with one of our industrial partners.
• An international opportunity in year 2 or 3 of the degree, with the option for a second international visit in year 3.
• A bespoke ‘net-zero leadership programme’, including regular exchanges with cohort members from the other universities.

More information about the CDT can be found here.

Project

Are you interested in shaping the future of sustainable fuel infrastructure? We are offering a unique PhD opportunity to explore and model the whole system behind low carbon fuel technologies, focusing on the often-neglected infrastructure required for safe and reliable fuel delivery.

Key Research Areas:

Spatial Mapping of Existing Infrastructure: Conduct comprehensive spatial mapping of current fuel infrastructure to identify existing assets, capacities, and distribution networks. This will lead into forecasting optimal asset locations.

Optimal Site Selection and Requirements: Determine the optimal locations and specifications for new infrastructure developments, considering factors such as accessibility, demand, and environmental impact.

Cost of Carbon and Investment Analysis: Evaluate the economic implications of low carbon fuel infrastructure development, including carbon pricing, investment requirements, and whole system value.

Hydrogen Economy Focus: Explore the potential and challenges of developing a hydrogen economy, analysing infrastructure needs, scalability, and integration with existing energy systems.

Specific Fuel Example – Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF): The candidate will have the opportunity to select a specific fuel, such as Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), and utilize quantitative modelling techniques to develop a comprehensive understanding of the existing infrastructure, identify gaps, and project future requirements. The aim is to create a robust model that can determine the infrastructure needs and optimal locations for sustainable fuel deployment.

Industry Partner:

This project offers a unique opportunity for collaboration with Centrica, a leading UK industry player. You will work closely with industry experts to identify critical barriers and opportunities in fuel replacement and displacement, creating a comprehensive plan for sustainable decarbonisatio

Candidate Requirements

As a minimum we require candidates to have a First-class or 2:1 MEng or and MSc with merit (over 60%) in a relevant area i.e. Chemical Engineering, Process Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Geoscience. Candidates for socio-politico-economic research topics will also be considered with a relevant MA. Applicants who have a First-class BSc/BEng (Hons) and can demonstrate significant relevant industry/research experience may also be considered.

Non-UK applicants must meet our English language entry requirement.

Enquiries and Applications

Informal enquiries are encouraged! Direct these to Prof Marcelle McManus – m.mcmanus@bath.ac.uk

Please make a formal application via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Mechanical Engineering

When completing the form, in the ‘Funding your studies’ section, please select ‘CDT’ from the first drop-down list and specify GIF CDT in the text box. In the ‘Your PhD project’ section, please state the project title and supervisor’s name in the appropriate boxes.

Failure to complete these steps will delay the processing of your application and may cause you to miss the deadline.

More information about applying for a PhD at Bath may be found on our website.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We value a diverse research environment and strive to be an inclusive university, where difference is celebrated and respected. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

If you have circumstances that you feel we should be aware of that have affected your educational attainment, then please feel free to tell us about it in your application form. The best way to do this is a short paragraph at the end of your personal statement.

The Disability Service ensures that individuals with disabilities are provided the support that they need. If you state if your application that you have a disability, the Disability Service will contact you as part of this process to discuss your needs.

Keywords:

Decarbonisation; Green Industry, Green House Gases, Net Zero, Engineering