UK: Engineering PhD Studentship in Renewable Energy

Deadline: 19 April 2013

Life Cycle Analysis Model for Bioenergy in the UK

 Location: Cornwall Campus, University of Exeter, TR10 9EZ

Primary supervisor: Dr Xiaoyu Yan, University of Exeter 

Bioenergy is expected to be an important part of the low-carbon energy supply in the future. However, rigorous assessment of the techno-economic, environmental and social impacts of large-scale deployment of bioenergy is needed to ensure its sustainability.

This interdisciplinary PhD project will focus on developing a spatially and temporally explicit Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) model for bioenergy in the UK. It will cover a wide range of bioenergy pathways both for transport use and electricity/heat production, with particular emphasis on carbon and water footprints, impact on human health and ecosystems, and economic costs.

Uncertainties from various sources will also be dealt with explicitly. The LCA model developed will be used to critically examine and compare different options at a local and national scale in order to provide scientific evidence in support of the UK government’s Bioenergy Strategy.

You will be based in the Environment and Sustainability Institute (ESI) at the University of Exeter’s Cornwall Campus and will be expected to collaborate with researchers within the ESI, University of Exeter’s European Centre for the Environment and Human Health and Cambridge University Engineering Department and stakeholders from industry, government and NGOs on various aspects of the project.

For informal enquiries contact Dr Xiaoyu Yan at xiaoyu.yan@exeter.ac.uk.

Applicants should have or expect to achieve at least a 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent, in [Engineering, Mathematics, Physical and Environmental Studies]. Experience in numerical modelling using tools such as Matlab, spatial analysis using GIS software or life cycle analysis is highly desirable though not essential.

To apply, you must complete the online web form. You will be asked to submit some personal details and upload a full CV, covering letter and details of two academic referees. Your covering letter should outline your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake this project.

For general enquiries please contact Liz Roberts  – emps-pgr@exeter.ac.uk