Advancing Sustainable Hydrogen Production for Net Zero Industries

The urgency to mitigate climate change has never been greater as atmospheric carbon dioxide levels surpass critical thresholds. Hydrogen, a sustainable energy carrier and versatile fuel, is a key solution for reducing global dependence on fossil fuels. However, achieving this transition requires significant investment in advanced electrolysis technologies. Integrating high-temperature electrolysis with low-carbon energy sources, such as nuclear and renewables, offers a transformative and optimized pathway to sustainable chemicals production, aligning with the UK’s drive towards future sustainable industries.<br /> <br /> This PhD project will focus on designing and optimizing an industrial symbiosis (IS) network in the UK, incorporating power plants (nuclear, gas-fired, and biofuel-fired), renewable energy sources (wind, solar), and hydrogen processing facilities. The project will address spatial and temporal dynamics to create a resilient and efficient hydrogen production ecosystem. By leveraging IS principles, the network will enable resource-circular solutions for sustainable and green chemical manufacturing. This includes integrating renewable and low-carbon electricity with waste streams from energy production, enhancing energy efficiency, and minimizing resource use.<br /> <br /> This research aligns with national and global efforts to combat climate change by providing innovative, climate-smart pathways to decarbonising energy and chemical production. You will develop expertise in energy systems optimisation, sustainable process design, and industrial symbiosis, contributing to the UK’s transition to net zero.<br />

<p style="margin-bottom:11px">This project aims to develop novel new ways to optimise the temporal nature of renewable energy and supply chain variability, demonstrating the resilience of the designed Industrial symbiosis network.</p> <p>Specific Project related objectives include:</p> <ol> <li>Evaluate process and energy efficiencies of H2 and green platform chemicals using real-time data from solid oxide electrolysis benchmarked against alternative business-as-usual (BAU) flowsheets.</li> <li>Model conventional energy processes (gas-fired reactor, nuclear reactor) and evaluate process integration options, considering waste flow analysis and IS calculations.</li> <li>Generate IS options, design hybrid flowsheets and benchmark process performance against other BAU production scenarios.</li> <li>Estimate potential benefits across sustainability domains using techno-economics and life cycle sustainability assessments.</li> <li>Construct case-specific supply chain optimisation models under uncertainty linked to power system variability, cost and GHG emissions.</li> </ol>

<p style="text-align:start; margin-bottom:24px">Formal applications for research degree study should be made online through the <a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/research-applying/doc/applying-research-degrees">University's website</a>. Please state clearly in the Planned Course of Study section that you are applying for <em><strong>EPSRC DTP Engineering & Physical Sciences</strong></em> (if you do not apply to this programme code, your application will not be considered) and in the research information section that the research degree you wish to be considered for is <em><strong>Advancing Sustainable Hydrogen Production for Net Zero Industries</strong></em> as well as <a href="https://eps.leeds.ac.uk/chemical-engineering/staff/9821/keeran-ward">Dr Keeran Ward</a> as your proposed supervisor. <em><strong>Please state clearly in the Finance Section that the funding source you are applying for is EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award 2025/26:  Chemical & Process Engineering.</strong></em></p> <p>If English is not your first language, you must provide evidence that you meet the University's minimum English language requirements (below).</p> <p>As an international research-intensive university, we welcome students from all walks of life and from across the world. We foster an inclusive environment where all can flourish and prosper, and we are proud of our strong commitment to student education. Across all Faculties we are dedicated to diversifying our community and we welcome the unique contributions that individuals can bring, and particularly encourage applications from, but not limited to Black, Asian, people who belong to a minority ethnic community, people who identify as LGBT+ and people with disabilities. Applicants will always be selected based on merit and ability.</p> <p>Applications will be considered after the closing date.  Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisors for an informal discussion before making a formal application. We also advise that you apply at the earliest opportunity as the application and selection process may close early, should we receive a sufficient number of applications or that a suitable candidate is appointed.</p> <p>Please note that you must provide the following documents in support of your application by the closing date of Friday 28 February 2025:</p> <ul> <li>Full Transcripts of all degree study or if in final year of study, full transcripts to date</li> <li>Personal Statement outlining your interest in the project</li> <li>CV</li> </ul>

Applicants to research degree programmes should normally have at least a first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. The criteria for entry for some research degrees may be higher, for example, several faculties, also require a Masters degree. Applicants are advised to check with the relevant School prior to making an application. Applicants who are uncertain about the requirements for a particular research degree are advised to contact the School or Graduate School prior to making an application.

The minimum English language entry requirement for research postgraduate research study is an IELTS of 6.0 overall with at least 5.5 in each component (reading, writing, listening and speaking) or equivalent. The test must be dated within two years of the start date of the course in order to be valid. Some schools and faculties have a higher requirement.

<p class="MsoNoSpacing">A highly competitive EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award providing full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (£19,237 in academic session 2024/25) for 3.5 years.  Training and support will also be provided.</p> <p>This opportunity is open to all applicants.  All candidates will be placed into the EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award Competition and selection is based on academic merit.</p> <p><strong>Important:</strong> Please note that that the award does <strong>not </strong>cover the costs associated with moving to the UK.  All such costs (<a href="https://www.leeds.ac.uk/international-visas-immigration/doc/applying-student-visa">visa, Immigration Health Surcharge</a>, flights etc) would have to be met by yourself, or you will need to find an alternative funding source. </p> <p>Please refer to the <a href="https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/">UKCISA</a> website for information regarding Fee Status for Non-UK Nationals.</p>

<p>For information about this specific project, please email Dr. Keeran Ward; Email: <a href="mailto:k.r.ward@leeds.ac.uk">k.r.ward@leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p> <p>For further information about this Scholarship, please contact PGR Admissions by email to <a href="mailto:phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk">phd@engineering.leeds.ac.uk</a>.</p>