Sustainable Energy Strategies for Data Centres: Enhancing Resilience and Net-Zero Integration

The rapid expansion of data centres is driving unprecedented energy demand, making their resilience, sustainability, and integration with low-carbon energy systems critical to achieving net-zero targets.

This PhD project will investigate innovative strategies to improve energy efficiency, flexibility, and sustainability in data centre operations. The research will explore:

• Microgrids and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): Enhancing self-sufficiency and reducing reliance on traditional grid supply.

• Renewable Energy Integration: Maximising the use of clean energy while ensuring grid stability.

• Energy Storage and Demand-Side Flexibility: Optimising storage and load management for enhanced system efficiency.

• Waste Heat Recovery & Cooling Solutions: Exploring thermal energy reuse, liquid cooling, and hybrid systems to minimise emissions and improve efficiency.

The research will employ data-driven modelling, simulation techniques, and optimisation strategies to assess the technical feasibility, scalability, and real-world applicability of these solutions. This PhD will bridge cutting-edge energy modelling with real-world industry applications, delivering practical solutions that drive the decarbonisation of digital infrastructure.

The project will provide valuable insights for industry stakeholders, policymakers, and researchers, contributing to the development of sustainable and resilient data centre energy systems.

The successful candidate will collaborate with industry partners, policymakers, and research teams through The Tyndall Centre and Energy Beacon. The research will contribute to optimising renewable energy deployment, enhancing microgrid resilience, and improving data centre sustainability.

Eligibility

Seeking a driven individual with:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Energy Systems, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science or a related field.

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

• Strong analytical and computational skills for optimisation and energy modelling.

• Knowledge of energy systems, and renewable energy solutions.

• Familiarity with microgrid technologies, grid integration energy storage, or demand response mechanisms.

• Industry experience or exposure to data centre operations, energy efficiency, or cooling strategies would be great.

• Experience in energy modelling, grid integration, data centres, or power systems.

• Proficiency in any one or more of the following DIgSILENT, Plexos, MATLAB, Python, or TRNSYS or similar for energy simulations.

Funding

This 3.5 year PhD project is fully funded and open to 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).