PhD Study : Exploring how planning can facilitate the transition to socially acceptable renewable energy infrastructure development on the island of Ireland.

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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. It is clear that planners have a role to play in implementing energy policy and in enabling renewable energy infrastructure developments to progress right across the spectrum of energy production, transmission and distribution and supply. However, in practice this can often be contested, and there is evidence from the terrestrial planning environment to suggest this.

It is clear that the shift to renewables will be more than a change in energy source, it is a change in perception towards acceptance of the need to shift away fossil fuels.  There have been a variety of projects, in particular, offshore projects that have not come to development stage in NI, despite these NI marine areas having a plentiful energy resource (Offshore Renewable Energy Strategic Action Plan (ORESAP 2012-2019). These projects have faced issues of acceptability by the local community.

In light of a recent report by the Department of Economy (NI, ORESAP Review, 2019) it highlights that NI waters have been excluded from the next Crown Estate Leasing round proposals (for offshore wind) and this is based on an extensive (terrestrial) characterisation modelling associated with visual sensitivity from the coast. There is a need for the planning process to explore and engage with other alternative technologies that are not as visually sensitive.  This PhD will explore the role of planning in the delivery of energy transition on the island of Ireland.

The study will critically analyse barriers and factors which facilitate the energy transition from a planning perspective, and will provide a sound understanding of the governance framework as part of the process. ‘Energy citizen’ (Mullally et al, 2018) and ‘Energy democracy’ (Burke and Stephens, 2018) are emerging terms in the energy policy literature and it is expected that these terms maybe used a lens through which to look at a range of case studies across the island of Island. It is expected that a key outcome of the study will be to provide recommendations on the role of the planner in making the energy transition more socially acceptable.

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

The Doctoral College at Ulster University

Key dates

Submission deadline
Friday 7 February 2020
12:00AM

Interview Date
Week beginning 9 March 2020

Preferred student start date
Mid September 2020

Applying

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