PhD Study : What’s happening in your marine backyard? The role of Marine Spatial Planning in Marine Renewables on the island of Ireland

Summary

Governments in the UK and Ireland are continually stressing the importance of public engagement in energy policy as part of the transition to a low carbon society. Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) will be essential in any  future energy mix. Marine spatial planning (MSP) has a role to play in implementing energy policy and in enabling renewable energy infrastructure to progress right across the spectrum of energy production, transmission and distribution and supply. However, in practice this can often be contested. The maritime area of Ireland is seven times its landmass and together with Northern Ireland’s maritime area, there is potential to deliver upon the commitments made in the Offshore Renewable Energy Development Plan (2019) ROI and NI Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan (ORESAP 2012-2020). With the publication of Ireland’s National Marine Planning Framework in July 2021 and Northern Ireland having published its draft Marine Plan for NI in 2018, the island of Ireland is almost complete in providing a clear framework for marine planning in its inshore and offshore marine areas.

These spatial visions for taking forward development proposals should mean that planning controls exist for stating what, how, when and where developments should take place in the marine environment, particularly in relation to Marine Renewable Energy (MRE). Yet, are local coastal communities prepared, engaged and ready for the energy transition at sea, that could occur in their ‘marine backyard’ (Jay, 2010)? ‘Energy citizen’ (Mullally et al, 2018) and ‘Energy democracy’ (Burke and Stephens, 2018) are emerging terms in the energy policy literature. Whilst these terms are slowly becoming used more frequently in terrestrial parlance, their use in relation to MRE is undoubtably less frequent. It is expected that these terms may be used as a lens through which to look at a range of case studies across the island of Island.

This PhD will explore the role of marine spatial planning in the delivery of energy transitions in the island of Ireland’s offshore regions. From a planning perspective, it will critically analyse identified barriers and factors which facilitate the energy transition, and will provide a sound understanding of the governance framework as part of the process. There would be opportunity to examine a range of case studies of MRE projects and practices on the island of Ireland and draw comparisons with similar cases in the UK and internationally.

It is expected that a key outcome of the study will be to provide recommendations on the role of the planner in making a just energy transition which is both more socially acceptable and equitable for our ‘marine backyard’.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Clearly defined research proposal detailing background, research questions, aims and methodology

Funding and eligibility

The University offers the following levels of support:

Vice Chancellors Research Studentship (VCRS)

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

Department for the Economy (DFE)

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living