The Development of a Heat Network Policy for Northern Ireland

Summary

The Northern Ireland (NI) Government has set the ambitious target of achieving net zero carbon emissions by 2050, to mitigate against the effects of climate change.

Key areas identified by the Department for the Economy’s ‘Energy Strategy’ and ‘Energy Action Plan 2025’ for innovation include expanding renewable energy resources, increasing energy storage capacity, development of products and technologies that support the growth of NI’s green and circular economies and greater energy efficiency.

This research will explore the multi-step process required to develop and implement heat network policy in Northern Ireland, focusing on the transition from national-level planning to local-level delivery.

The project will examine how heat demand mapping, technology and cost assessments, and zoning mechanisms can be used to identify areas where heat networks are the most cost-effective solution. It will also investigate the institutional and regulatory structures needed to support zoning authority and coordination.

Key areas of interest include the role of zoning coordinators in refining zone boundaries, the development of market prospectuses for zone delivery, and the engagement of local stakeholders to ensure effective implementation.

The research will also consider the hierarchy of building connections, particularly the prioritisation of anchor buildings, and the use of incentives or regulations to encourage uptake.

The project will assess how low-carbon requirements can be embedded into zone design, and how financial viability can be ensured through funding mechanisms and standardised delivery routes.

It will draw on comparative policy models and stakeholder interviews to inform recommendations for regulation and oversight.

This research has strong potential for policy impact, particularly in supporting the Department for the Economy’s heat network policy framework.

• A three-month placement within the Department will be included, providing the student with direct experience in energy policy development and stakeholder engagement.

This is a collaborative research project with the Department for the Economy

AccessNI clearance required

Please note, the successful candidate will be required to obtain AccessNI clearance prior to registration due to the nature of the project.

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.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

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.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period