Exploring the Role of Perovskite Solar Cells in Net-Zero Economy

This project aims to explore perovskite solar cell technology with a specific focus on the UK as a leading producer.

Department/School

School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Project Description

The climate emergency is the single most pressing challenge facing humanity today. While solar PV and wind have emerged as the major renewable energy technologies for a decarbonised energy system, the technical efficiency and cost of production are two major issues facing the decision-makers globally for an inclusive transition of the energy system. How effectively the international community responds to that challenge increasingly falls on low cost alternative options that are easy to produce and deploy and that do not involve adverse societal and environmental impacts. 

The recent geo-political situation has also brought the issue of energy security concerns into limelight. Rising prices of fossil fuels have led to high inflation, rising cost of living and concerns about future supply shortages. In this context, the concerns about supply chain interruptions for alternative energy supplies are also emerging. While most of the manufacturing capacity is concentrated in the developing world due to competitive cost advantage, the supply chain failures due to interruptions in international trade of feedstock or finished products could affect the decarbonisation efforts of countries. 

Developing local capacity in alternative, highly efficient and cost-effective technology options could be an attractive strategy for the UK. This is very much aligned with the government strategy of creating advanced technology capacity, which could offer multi-dimensional benefits as well.

Perovskite solar cells could offer such an opportunity and this project aims to explore this technology in more detail with a specific focus on the UK as a leading producer. The overarching question this research intends to answer is: Can UK play an effective role in developing the PSC capacity for the decarbonisation of the energy system? Three sub-questions will support the main question and explore the issue in more detail.  

1. Can PSCs play any role in the decarbonisation of the UK energy system?
2. How do PSCs compare with other technology alternatives in terms of techno-economic, socio-environmental and business development perspectives for large-scale development and deployment in the UK? 
3. How could UK develop its competitive advantage in this emerging area?

The research will employ quantitative methods to answer the above questions but where appropriate qualitative inputs from stakeholders will also be considered. 

How to Apply

Open to UK and International students starting in October 2023.

Applications should be submitted via the Environment and Sustainability PhD programme page , but please note the closing date for this studentship is Friday 6^th January 2023.  In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating the title of the projects (up to 2) that you wish to apply for and the name(s) of the relevant supervisor. You must upload your full CV and any transcripts of previous academic qualifications. You should enter ’Faculty Funded Competition’ under funding type.

Funding

The studentship will provide a stipend at UKRI rates (currently £17,668 for 2022/23) and tuition fees for 3.5 years. An additional bursary of £1700 per annum for the duration of the studentship will be offered to exceptional candidates.