PhD Studentship - Hydrogen Integration for a Just and Resilient Energy Transition

Research theme: Hydrogen Systems and Energy Transition

How to apply: uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

No. of positions: 1

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded and home students and overseas applicants. The successful candidate will received an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

HI-ACT (Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transitions) is a national research consortium addressing the technical, social, and economic challenges of integrating hydrogen into the UK’s energy system. This PhD will contribute to advancing hydrogen’s role in grid resilience, energy equity, and industrial decarbonisation, aligning with the UK’s net-zero goals.

This research will explore hydrogen’s integration into multi-vector energy networks, with a specific focus on:#

• Hydrogen for grid resilience – assessing its potential to enhance energy security and support renewables.
• Decarbonisation of industrial sectors – evaluating hydrogen’s feasibility and policy frameworks for hard-to-abate industries.
• Equitable energy access – identifying economic and regulatory measures to ensure a just transition, particularly for vulnerable communities.

The project will develop modelling frameworks and policy recommendations that align data-driven insights with technical advancements in hydrogen integration.

Key areas of analysis include:

• Hydrogen production, storage, and sector coupling (e.g., blending into gas networks, industrial applications, and smart grids).
• Infrastructure investment strategies and the role of hydrogen hubs.
• Resilience metrics for hydrogen-enabled energy networks.

The successful candidate will work closely with the HI-ACT consortium, collaborating with researchers, industry partners, policymakers, and community stakeholders to ensure that technical innovations in hydrogen deployment align with policy and equity considerations and to develop models and analytical tools. These tools will inform targeted policy recommendations that align data-driven insights with technical advancements in hydrogen integration, ensuring an inclusive and socially just transition to a low-carbon economy.

Seeking a driven individual with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Physics, Chemistry, Renewable Energy, or a related discipline.
• Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification is desirable.
• Knowledge of hydrogen technologies, energy systems, and decarbonisation strategies.
• Experience with data analytics, system modelling, or quantitative research methods.
• Competency in at least one of the following modelling tools: DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Python, MATLAB, or Plexos (other relevant tools considered).
• An interest in hydrogen policy, socio-technical transitions, and energy equity.
• Strong analytical skills with the ability to engage with technical energy system concepts and data interpretation.

To apply please contact the supervisors: Prof Aoife Foley - aoife.foley@manchester.ac.uk, Prof Dlzar Alkez - dlzar.alkez@manchester.ac.uk and Dr Welfle - andrew.welfle@manchester.ac.uk. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

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