Project title: Determining the Potential of Hydrogen Towns (DePHT)
Primary supervisor: Prof. Nazmiye Balta-Ozkan (Cranfield University)
Second supervisor: Dr Elisabeth Shrimpton (Cranfield University)
University: Cranfield University, Centre for Energy Systems and Strategy
SENSS Theme: Sustainability and Climate Emergency
Collaborative partner: Cadent Gas Ltd
Collaborative partner supervisor: Dr Catharine Skinner
Degree structure: The structure of the studentship offered will depend on your personal training needs. However, the minimum duration of a SENSS-funded studentship will be 3.5 years: this covers a PhD and a mandatory placement of approximately 3 months. The maximum duration of a studentship will be 4.5 years: this covers a Masters degree followed by a PhD, as well as the mandatory 3-month placement.
Project background
This proposal is at the forefront of research on sustainable energy systems in response to the climate crisis. The proposal focusses on social acceptability of hydrogen infrastructure and the challenges and opportunities energy transitions bring to the UK, and beyond. Hydrogen offers the potential to be a sustainable, clean, and efficient means of decarbonising our energy systems, however, the focus of attention is on technical challenges and not the social systems that also affected. This exciting studentship focuses on closing the research gap and identifying the factors affecting the adoption of hydrogen within our towns, from homes, offices, retail, distribution and beyond as we strive to reduce emissions. The project includes a 3-month placement supported by the Customer Insight Division of Cadent Gas communicating the latest research and policy initiatives and providing valuable work experience and contacts within the sector.
Project aims and objectives
The aim of the research is to devise a policy and engagement framework for the introduction of sustainable hydrogen infrastructure using UK towns as the unit of interest. The policies designed will support infrastructure design for the climate emergency that is socially acceptable, mitigates risks and maximises opportunities as identified by the communities and those working on infrastructure projects.
Training opportunities
A comprehensive package of training will be agreed in consultation with the supervisors. Elements of training will be provided by the supervisors, Cranfield University, and by other providers. The student will have access to extensive SENSS training opportunities and join a peer group of other SENSS researchers.
Essential and/or desirable attributes/skills
Applicants should have at least an upper second-class UK honours degree or equivalent. A masters qualification is desirable, we can consider applicants who have yet to secure a Masters but given the timelines of Cadent, priority will be given to those who can begin at doctorate level.
The supervisory team adopts an interdisciplinary approach, and the team welcomes and supports students from a range of backgrounds including social science, law or engineering wishing to undertake social science research. Enquiries are also welcome from potential applicants with relevant experience in the energy or water sectors.
Studentship details
This studentship will be taken as between a 3.5 and 4.5 years duration depending on personal training needs. Studentships are offered on either a full-time or part-time basis. The studentship award covers your university fees and provides you with a stipend of £18,622 per year (higher stipends may be available depending upon the circumstances of the project). You will also be able to apply for small amounts of additional funding via the SENSS Research Training Support Grant and to attend relevant national and international conferences to showcase your work and engage with peers.
Residential eligibility
Home or international students are eligible for a fully-funded award (fees will be paid, and they receive a stipend/salary).
How to apply for this studentship
To be considered for this SENSS studentship, you must first apply to SENSS for this collaborative studentship. Please read the SENSS Collaborative Studentship Application Guidance Notes before completing our online application form. The Guidance Notes are available here.
If your application is accepted by SENSS you will need to make a separate application for a place to study at Cranfield University as your host University. You will be provided with a link with information on how to make your application to Cranfield University once the SENSS proposal has been accepted.
Deadline:
The deadline for submitting your application for SENSS funding on HEIApply is 12:00 GMT on 11 March 2024. No extensions to this deadline will be permitted.
For further enquiries:
For enquiries about this research project, please email Dr Elisabeth Shrimpton at Elisabeth.Shrimpton@cranfield.ac.uk.
For enquiries related to your eligibility for this studentship, and/or the application process, please email Michelle Starkey (michelle.starkey@cranfield.ac.uk)