PhD Study : The Future of Domestic Energy: Assessing the Impact of Solar PV and Battery Energy Storage Adoption in Northern Ireland (FDENI)

Apply and key information

Summary

The International Energy Agency expects that solar photovoltaic (SPV) and wind technologies will be delivering nearly 70% of the global electricity supply by 2050 (IEA, 2021; DfE, 2021).

In Northern Ireland (NI), renewable energy sources have contributed significantly, accounting for 45.5% of the total electricity consumption from July 2022 to June 2023. SPV has contributed a modest 3.6% to the energy mix (NISRA, 2023) and adoption in domestic households is still at a 2.5% and with an uneven distribution of installations across the regions (MacIntyre et al., 2022).

Studies have investigated the effects of SPV on individual domestic houses (Jankowiak et al., 2020) however country-wide adoption requires more investigation. Expanding SPV capacity nationwide poses challenges for the aging national grid. Consequently, it is essential to explore various potential strategies, including battery storage (Jankowiak et al., 2019), to identify optimal solutions to the challenges associated with high renewable energy generation.

This study will assess the potential of SPV and energy storage across the whole domestic building stock of NI. By modelling a spectrum of solar and storage utilisation scenarios, the research aims to develop a nuanced understanding of the impacts under a variety of potential outcomes.

The study is poised to deliver strategic insights that will not only contribute to the academic discourse but also offer empirical data to inform policy decisions.

The research plans to deliver a comprehensive database, which will document the outcomes derived from various SPV and battery storage scenarios tailored for NI. The database will serve as a valuable tool for policymakers, providing a robust evidence base to shape future strategies aimed at amplifying the adoption of SPV in residential areas and assisting the UK towards its 2050 net zero emissions target.

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

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

Masters at 65%
Publications - peer-reviewed

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

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 £19,237 (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