Open source, integrated electricity, heat and transport energy modelling at the city level

The purpose of this project is to develop an open-access integrated energy modelling platform to support analysis of possible decarbonisation pathways for electricity production and supply, heat delivery and transport services at the city level.

Department/School

School of Sustainability, Civil and Environmental Engineering

Project Description

Cities as the engines of economic growth would play a significant role in the decarbonisation process of any country and many cities have set plans for rapid decarbonisation. Although many studies and tools exist aimed at urban system planning, energy as the principal source of GHG emissions requires special attention in reaching the net zero targets. The sectors are increasingly interacting, for example, electrification of heating and transport, which is another reason for taking an integrated approach. The purpose of this project is to develop an open-access integrated energy modelling platform to support analysis of possible decarbonisation pathways for electricity production and supply, heat delivery and transport services at the city level. This proposal also links well with other proposals such as heat decarbonisation, climate-SDG interlinkage and modelling under uncertainty. 

Methodology: An integrated optimisation framework will be developed to achieve the least-cost solution for reaching the net zero objective considering different technologies, end-uses, modes of delivery, and energy management strategies. Tasks will involve: review of relevant literature, model specification design, coding, model validation, data collection and stakeholder interaction for city case study application, scenario design and analysis for the case study.

Expected outcome: Main outputs of the project will include: an open access tool and a case application to a selected city to demonstrate the usefulness of the tool. 

How to Apply

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.