Hydrogen Integration for a Just and Resilient Energy Transition

HI-ACT (Hydrogen Integration for Accelerated Energy Transitions) is a national research consortium addressing the technical, social, and economic challenges of integrating hydrogen into the UK’s energy system. This PhD will contribute to advancing hydrogen’s role in grid resilience, energy equity, and industrial decarbonisation, aligning with the UK’s net-zero goals.

This research will explore hydrogen’s integration into multi-vector energy networks, with a specific focus on:

• Hydrogen for grid resilience – assessing its potential to enhance energy security and support renewables.

• Decarbonisation of industrial sectors – evaluating hydrogen’s feasibility and policy frameworks for hard-to-abate industries.

• Equitable energy access – identifying economic and regulatory measures to ensure a just transition, particularly for vulnerable communities.

The project will develop modelling frameworks and policy recommendations that align data-driven insights with technical advancements in hydrogen integration. Key areas of analysis include:

• Hydrogen production, storage, and sector coupling (e.g., blending into gas networks, industrial applications, and smart grids).

• Infrastructure investment strategies and the role of hydrogen hubs.

• Resilience metrics for hydrogen-enabled energy networks.

The successful candidate will work closely with the HI-ACT consortium, collaborating with researchers, industry partners, policymakers, and community stakeholders to ensure that technical innovations in hydrogen deployment align with policy and equity considerations and to develop models and analytical tools. These tools will inform targeted policy recommendations that align data-driven insights with technical advancements in hydrogen integration, ensuring an inclusive and socially just transition to a low-carbon economy.

Eligibility

Seeking a driven individual with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Civil, Chemical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical, Physics, Chemistry, Renewable Energy, or a related discipline.

• Master’s degree or equivalent postgraduate qualification is desirable.

• Knowledge of hydrogen technologies, energy systems, and decarbonisation strategies.

• Experience with data analytics, system modelling, or quantitative research methods.

• Competency in at least one of the following modelling tools: DIgSILENT PowerFactory, Python, MATLAB, or Plexos (other relevant tools considered).

• An interest in hydrogen policy, socio-technical transitions, and energy equity.

• Strong analytical skills with the ability to engage with technical energy system concepts and data interpretation.

Funding

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded and home students and overseas applicants. The successful candidate will received an annual tax free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£19,237 for 2024/25) and tuition fees will be paid. We expect the stipend to increase each year.

Before you apply

We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. Please include details of your current level of study, academic background and any relevant experience and include a paragraph about your motivation to study this PhD project.

How to apply

Apply online through our website: https://uom.link/pgr-apply-2425

When applying, you’ll need to specify the full name of this project, the name of your supervisor, if you already having funding or if you wish to be considered for available funding through the university, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees.

Your application will not be processed without all of the required documents submitted at the time of application, and we cannot accept responsibility for late or missed deadlines. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

After you have applied you will be asked to upload the following supporting documents:

• Final Transcript and certificates of all awarded university level qualifications
• Interim Transcript of any university level qualifications in progress
• CV
• Supporting statement: A one or two page statement outlining your motivation to pursue postgraduate research and why you want to undertake postgraduate research at Manchester, any relevant research or work experience, the key findings of your previous research experience, and techniques and skills you’ve developed. (This is mandatory for all applicants and the application will be put on hold without it).
• Contact details for two referees (please make sure that the contact email you provide is an official university/work email address as we may need to verify the reference)
• English Language certificate (if applicable)

If you have any questions about making an application, please contact our admissions team by emailing FSE.doctoralacademy.admissions@manchester.ac.uk.

Equality, diversity and inclusion is fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester, and is at the heart of all of our activities. We know that diversity strengthens our research community, leading to enhanced research creativity, productivity and quality, and societal and economic impact.

We actively encourage applicants from diverse career paths and backgrounds and from all sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation and transgender status.

We also support applications from those returning from a career break or other roles. We consider offering flexible study arrangements (including part-time: 50%, 60% or 80%, depending on the project/funder).