Enhancing community energy resilience using renewable energy in Nepal and Malawi

This is an opportunity to work in an interdisciplinary team with two world-leading research groups at Loughborough University. The Geography and Environment discipline hosts the Low Carbon Energy for Development Network (LCEDN) which has led major research programmes on sustainable energy, energy access and modern cooking fuels. The Centre for Renewable Energy Systems Technology (CREST) is the largest and leading sustainable energy engineering research centre in the UK, with research activities covering wind power, solar photovoltaics, renewable energy for development, energy in buildings, grid connection and integration and energy storage.
Loughborough University is a top-ten rated university in England for research intensity (REF2014). In choosing Loughborough for your research, you’ll work alongside academics who are leaders in their field. You will benefit from comprehensive support and guidance from our Doctoral College, including tailored careers advice, to help you succeed in your research and future career.
Find out more: http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/supporting-you/research/

Full Project Detail
Developing countries are increasingly facing multiple stresses and shocks such as climate change and disasters. Progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals cannot be maintained without building in more resilience. Communities can leverage local technical expertise, resources and informal networks to access energy services using renewable energy. Greater understanding of community energy needs and resilience strategies could improve the design of energy solutions.

This PhD will focus on designing more resilient energy systems using participatory processes with communities in Nepal and/or Malawi. You will also assess the potential for scaling up the solutions within the countries and internationally. You will have an opportunity to conduct fieldwork and work closely with other team members at Mzuzu University, Malawi and Kathmandu University, Nepal.

Find out more
www.lcedn.com
and
www.lboro.ac.uk/research/crest/

Entry requirements
Applicants should have, or expect to achieve, at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. Applicants with an interdisciplinary background in subjects relating to renewable energy engineering and international development are particularly welcomed. A relevant Master’s degree and/or experience working in developing countries will be an advantage.

Contact details
Name: Dr Long Seng To
Email address: [Email Address Removed]
Telephone number: +44 (0)1509 228193

How to apply
All applications should be made online at http://www.lboro.ac.uk/study/apply/research/. Under programme name, select Geography and Environment.

Please quote reference number: SS-CEROCT19