GIF CDT: Accelerating Industrial Decarbonisation: A Focus on Dispersed High-Energy Use Sites

Project

Are you passionate about combating climate change through innovative decarbonisation technologies? We are offering an opportunity to explore and advance novel decarbonisation solutions for high-energy use industrial sites, with a specific focus on dispersed sites outside of government-supported cluster areas. Supported by our project partner, British Sugar, the Green Industrial Futures Centre for Doctoral Training (GIF CDT)is inviting applications for the following project, expected to commence in September 2025.

Key Research Areas:

• Novel Decarbonisation Technologies: Investigate emerging technologies and their maturity for large-scale deployment in hard-to-decarbonise industries. This could include alternative fuels and fuel replacements.
• Decarbonisation of Dispersed Industrial Sites: Analyse and develop strategies for reducing carbon emissions in dispersed industrial sites with, for example, intensive energy use or the opportunity to capture carbon but without associated infrastructure for storage. Understand the challenges and opportunities specific to these sites.
• Scope 1 Emissions and High-Temperature Decarbonisation: Focus on industries where high-temperature processes are essential, addressing critical scope 1 emissions and exploring innovative decarbonisation methods for these challenging environments.
• Regulatory and Legislative Frameworks: Examine the existing regulatory landscape and identify potential policy interventions to facilitate the adoption of decarbonisation technologies in the industrial sector.

The CDT and the project has an Interdisciplinary Approach: Collaborate with experts from diverse fields including engineering, environmental science, policy studies, and business to address complex decarbonisation challenges.

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.

This advert will close when a suitable candidate is identified, so early application is encouraged.

Industrial Partner

This project offers a unique opportunity for collaboration with British Sugar, 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 decarbonisation.

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 Sophia Coe. - sc3716@bath.ac.uk

Please make a formal application via the University of Bath’s online application form for a PhD in Green Industrial Futures (full-time).

When completing the form, in the 'Funding your studies' section, please select 'CDT' from the first drop-down list. 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