PhD Studentship: Exploring Solutions for Fixed Bottom Deep Water Wind Energy

PhD in the Engineering Hydrogen NetZero (EnerHy) CDT which is a new EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) focusing on research and training in the areas of Hydrogen and Wind Energy. The University of Strathclyde will lead the wind energy training and research elements of the programme. Funded by ESB and EPSRC, this 4 year this PhD studentship, at the University of Strathclyde is in the area of fixed bottom deep water wind energy. The role is for the second intake of the EnerHy programme which commences in October 2025.

Research project overview:

While floating supports remain the preferred solution for significant deep waters, their greater technical complexities and economic challenges compared to the fixed-bottom supports provide strong incentives to explore fixed-bottom solutions for deep-water applications. Of particular interest are solutions that enable the deployment of monopiles in water depths typically requiring jackets or approaches that economically extend the use of monopiles and jackets to depths of 80–100 m. Such solutions for these greater-than-standard depths should provide viable fixed-bottom designs to unlock numerous offshore sites with gigawatts of wind energy potential around the UK and Ireland.

This PhD project aims to develop and assess the feasibility of various novel fixed-bottom solutions for deep-water wind turbine deployment from structural and economic perspectives, covering technologies at different Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs). To achieve this, the study will begin with a comprehensive review to identify existing and emerging innovative offshore support structures and transferable solutions that could be adapted for this purpose. This will be followed by an in-depth evaluation of the advantages and limitations of these innovations, focusing on technical performance as well as the associated manufacturing, installation, and maintenance costs.

This project will propose newer designs or design modifications to address existing challenges or adapt and integrate add-on solutions to overcome specific performance limitations of proposed deep-water solutions. These add-ons may include state-of-the-art devices such as dampers and energy-dissipative load mitigation systems, commonly used in different fields such as seismic protection, which will be tailored for deep-water fixed-bottom applications. This PhD will identify and investigate the technical feasibility and economic viability of these solutions, their lifetime performance assessment, design optimisation, and potential LCOE savings compared to the baseline floating designs, considering for the full loading envelope of offshore wind turbines.

Entry Requirements and further details:

This 4 year fully funded studentship (Fees, Stipend and Travel Budget) is open to applicants with a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Civil, Mechanical, Structural and Marine engineering or other relevant areas. Please apply by submitting your CV, cover letter and transcripts to j.carroll@strath.ac.uk and drew.smith@strath.ac.uk

Programme Package and Funding

Our EnerHy PhD Studentship packages includes:

• All PhD tuition fees paid.
• A tax-free stipend at UKRI rates to cover living costs.
• A substantial Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) each year to support travel, training and consumables costs.
• Additional funding to support outreach and development