Decarbonising heating and cooling for achieving net-zero goals

Decarbonising heating and cooling in buildings requires a whole energy system approach that integrates the development and deployment of low-carbon technologies, such as heat pumps, along with improvements in energy efficiency. This project will investigate the environmental sustainability impacts from both technological and broader energy system perspectives. At the energy technology level, the project will assess environmental sustainability impacts by conducting life cycle assessment of novel heat pump technologies (e.g., dual-source heat pumps, heat pumps using solid-state materials). At the broader energy system level, the focus will be on modelling and simulating the deployment of heat pumps to support sustainable energy transitions. This will include stakeholder engagement with the general public, installers, the energy sector, industry, and non-governmental organisations to identify challenges and opportunities for innovation and deployment. The aim is to provide recommendations for existing and new guidance documents. Ultimately, this PhD project seeks to develop pathways for decarbonising heating and cooling to achieve net-zero goals.

During this PhD, the student will: (1) study novel and conventional heat pumps, (2) conduct a comparative life cycle assessment, (3) simulate the deployment of selected heat pump systems considering energy efficiency as an additional parameter, and (4) engage with stakeholders to develop tailored implementation approaches for decarbonising heating and cooling.

The successful candidate will join a dynamic and enthusiastic research group at the Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage. The Birmingham Centre for Energy Storage (BCES) at the University of Birmingham is a cross-campus centre with its hub in the School of Chemical Engineering. BCES is part of the Birmingham Energy Institute and brings together researchers from across the University to drive innovation in clean energy conversion and storage for decarbonising energy systems, transport, and industry.

Applicants should have at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in Energy Engineering, Chemical Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or a related field, or a first degree of a lower classification along with a master’s, or evidence of substantial relevant industrial experience in a relevant science or engineering related discipline. Experience in computer programming, e.g. MATLAB, Python are desirable. A strong interest in energy systems and sustainability is essential.

The position will be filled once a suitable candidate is identified; therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged. The PhD is expected to start in September 2025.

For informal enquires and how to apply please contact Dr Neha Mehta at n.mehta.1@bham.ac.uk, attaching a CV in your email.