Funded PhD: Development of global hydrogen and ammonia zero-carbon energy systems

Context

Hydrogen is expected to make a substantial contribution to decarbonising the global economy. “Green” hydrogen can be produced cheaply in regions with high solar and wind potential such as Australia, Chile and the Middle East, but is expensive to transport due to its low energy density. Ammonia produced from green hydrogen would be cheaper to transport, and could be used in the transport, commercial, residential, and industry sectors instead of hydrogen, but the potential benefits have not been previously investigated. The objective of this research project is to critically assess the long-term case for using ammonia and/or hydrogen traded globally during the transition to global net zero emissions.

Aims

The research will use the TIAM-UCL global integrated assessment model developed in The Bartlett School of Environment Energy and Resources (BSEER). The student will learn to use this model through defining the supply, storage, distribution and end-uses of both hydrogen and ammonia, together with trade of each commodity. They will use decarbonisation scenario analyses to identify key characteristics, benefits, and challenges for these energy vectors. For the most competitive uses of ammonia, case studies will examine technological, economic and regulatory barriers that would impede market growth and hence decarbonisation efforts. This project will complement the hydrogen energy research programme in BSEER.

Person specification

Applicants should meet the UCL Institute for Sustainable Resources PhD Programme Entry Requirements. The following person specs would also be Essential:

1. An undergraduate degree in chemical or process engineering with a high upper second- or first-class award, or equivalent.
2. A postgraduate degree specialising in energy and including energy economics, or substantive work experience in this area.
3. Demonstrable experience with data analysis and visualisation software.
4. High quality written and spoken English language skills.
5. An understanding of the research aims and a credible method or methods to achieve them.

Desirable: 

  6. Energy modelling skills.

  7. Passion for making a positive difference to the world.

Candidates must meet all of the essential criteria to be considered for interview.

All applicants must also meet the minimum language requirements of UCL

Applicants should be familiar with the changes to EU and International Eligibility for UKRI funded studentships

Application procedure

Eligibility and how to apply

Please submit a pre-application by email to bseer-phd-admin@ucl.ac.uk with Subject Reference: 4-year PhD studentship Development of global hydrogen and ammonia zero-carbon energy systems You pre- application should include the following:

• A research proposal for this project of up to 6 pages 
• Confirmation of understanding the Changes to EU and International Eligibility for UKRI funded studentships
• Full CV
• Complete the EPSRC fees and EDI questionnaire via the linked Microsoft Forms.

Interview process

Only shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview.

• For the interview shortlisted candidates will be asked to send proof of their degree certificate(s) and transcript(s) of degree(s), and evidence of their fees background.
• Interviews will be held online using Microsoft Teams.  
• The interview panel will consist of members of the supervisory team.  
• Following the interview, the successful candidate will be invited to make a formal application to the UCL Research Degree programme for the Institute for Sustainable Resources (ISR).
  The Successful candidate will be undertaking this project in UCL at the main (Bloomsbury) campus and. For more information, please visit the UCL ISR website.

Deadline

Tuesday 19 April, 23:59 (UK Time)

Fair recruitment/appeals process

In line with EPSRC's updated terms and conditions, an appeals process is provided for unsuccessful applicants. There is always strong competition for funded studentships. If you receive a rejection for the applied position, it does not mean that you have been rejected for other funding opportunities or places at UCL you have applied to.

As applications are reviewed by panels of academic staff in a multi-step process, it will not be possible to request an appeal if you disagree with the outcome of your application on grounds of the academic assessment or judgement made.

However, if you think that the published process (as shown above) has not been followed, you may contact bseer-phd-admin@ucl.ac.uk  to raise your concern. Please clearly mark your email EPSRC STUDENTSHIP PROCESS APPEAL in the subject line. Your appeal and application will be reviewed by a panel considering this new information.

Contacts

For further details about the admission process, please contact: bseer-phd-admin@ucl.ac.uk   

For any further details regarding the project, contact: Professor Paul Dodds p.dodds@ucl.ac.uk