We are now accepting applications for Cohort 2 projects (starting in October 2025). To apply, please see the ‘How to apply‘ page.
Projects available now
Please note that the two projects listed below that are available now have a different application process to the projects starting in October 2025. You will need to apply directly to the University of Bath for these two projects. More info on this process can be found by clicking the project link below.
Accelerating Industrial Decarbonisation: A Focus on Dispersed High-Energy Use Sites
Lead supervisor: Prof. Marcelle McManus
Project partner: British Sugar
For more info: Accelerating Industrial Decarbonisation: A Focus on Dispersed High-Energy Use Sites at University of Bath on FindAPhD.com
Project partner: British Sugar
For more info: Accelerating Industrial Decarbonisation: A Focus on Dispersed High-Energy Use Sites at University of Bath on FindAPhD.com
Projects starting in Oct 2025
If interested in applying for any of the projects listed below, please refer to the ‘How to Apply‘ page.
Heriot-Watt University Projects
Projects available for UK and international students:
Green hydrogen and sustainable fuels/chemicals
Advancing Sustainable Polymer Biodegradation through Flow Chemistry and Real-Time Monitoring
Lead supervisor: Dr Marc Little, Dr Filipe Vilela
Project partner: BASF
This PhD studentship seeks to build on successful proof-of-concept studies on polymer biodegradation conducted in collaboration with BASF and Heriot-Watt University. The initial study utilised advanced flow chemistry techniques to accelerate the biodegradation of polymers, employing size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to monitor degradation in real time. The PhD research will expand on these findings by investigating the biodegradation of additional polymer systems under varied conditions using a digital flow technology platform that will be developed over the project. The student will use this platform to refine the understanding of degradation pathways and by-product formation, further exploring the carbon-related impact of polymer breakdown. The PhD student will gain expertise in flow chemistry, real-time reaction monitoring, and advanced data analysis, collaborating closely with BASF to translate academic findings into practical applications. This research will advance sustainable chemical manufacturing practices, reinforce the HWU-BASF partnership, and position the student at the forefront of eco-friendly polymer research.
Project partner: BASF
This PhD studentship seeks to build on successful proof-of-concept studies on polymer biodegradation conducted in collaboration with BASF and Heriot-Watt University. The initial study utilised advanced flow chemistry techniques to accelerate the biodegradation of polymers, employing size exclusion chromatography and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy to monitor degradation in real time. The PhD research will expand on these findings by investigating the biodegradation of additional polymer systems under varied conditions using a digital flow technology platform that will be developed over the project. The student will use this platform to refine the understanding of degradation pathways and by-product formation, further exploring the carbon-related impact of polymer breakdown. The PhD student will gain expertise in flow chemistry, real-time reaction monitoring, and advanced data analysis, collaborating closely with BASF to translate academic findings into practical applications. This research will advance sustainable chemical manufacturing practices, reinforce the HWU-BASF partnership, and position the student at the forefront of eco-friendly polymer research.
Please note that Heriot-Watt can only accept home students for the following projects (please see ‘How to apply‘ for the definition of a home student).
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage
Advancing sensing technology for CCUS applications
Lead supervisor: Prof. Mercedes Maroto-Valer
Project partner: TUV-SUD
Accurate knowledge of CO2 streams density is vital across the CCUS chain, impacting engineering design, pipeline safety, reservoir management, and financial settlements. Unlike natural gas, which has a constant composition, CO2 streams are project specific and contain over 20 impurities across gas, liquid, and supercritical phases, complicating the development of an accurate and generalisable density Equation of State model (EoS). This is especially challenging near the critical point and the Widom line, where there are large gradients in fluid properties.
Current research suggests directly measuring the density of CO2-rich mixtures due to the limitations of existing EoS models. This project aims to develop two advanced methodologies for accurate and cost-effective CO2 density measurement. One approach combines stream speed of sound, pressure, temperature, and permittivity measurements, while the second integrates pressure, temperature, and speed of sound measurements with isentropic exponent predications from advanced EoS models. Both approaches are designed to be accurate, cost-effective, and easily deployable, as they utilize inputs — such as speed of sound, temperature, and pressure—already available from the existing commercial ultrasonic flow meters typically deployed across the transportation chain.
If successful, this methodology could be implemented in industrial settings with minimal hardware modifications, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of CCUS technology deployment. Moreover, it has the potential to be applied to any other fluid including biogas, hydrogen, and ammonia.
Project partner: TUV-SUD
Accurate knowledge of CO2 streams density is vital across the CCUS chain, impacting engineering design, pipeline safety, reservoir management, and financial settlements. Unlike natural gas, which has a constant composition, CO2 streams are project specific and contain over 20 impurities across gas, liquid, and supercritical phases, complicating the development of an accurate and generalisable density Equation of State model (EoS). This is especially challenging near the critical point and the Widom line, where there are large gradients in fluid properties.
Current research suggests directly measuring the density of CO2-rich mixtures due to the limitations of existing EoS models. This project aims to develop two advanced methodologies for accurate and cost-effective CO2 density measurement. One approach combines stream speed of sound, pressure, temperature, and permittivity measurements, while the second integrates pressure, temperature, and speed of sound measurements with isentropic exponent predications from advanced EoS models. Both approaches are designed to be accurate, cost-effective, and easily deployable, as they utilize inputs — such as speed of sound, temperature, and pressure—already available from the existing commercial ultrasonic flow meters typically deployed across the transportation chain.
If successful, this methodology could be implemented in industrial settings with minimal hardware modifications, enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of CCUS technology deployment. Moreover, it has the potential to be applied to any other fluid including biogas, hydrogen, and ammonia.
Green hydrogen and sustainable fuels/chemicals
Legacy Wells: A critical component of repurposing oil and gas infrastructure for underground hydrogen storage
Lead supervisor: Dr Omid Shahrokhi, Prof. John Andresen
Project partner: Not yet determined
The transition to a low-carbon energy system requires innovative solutions to repurpose existing infrastructure. This project explores how legacy oil and gas wells can be transformed into safe and efficient sites for underground hydrogen storage (UHS), a crucial component of renewable energy integration and decarbonization efforts. The focus is on assessing the integrity and suitability of legacy wells, addressing key challenges such as material compatibility with hydrogen, leakage risks, and pressure containment. The project will evaluate retrofitting techniques, advanced monitoring systems, and develop practical frameworks to ensure safe operations. Through analysis of existing field data, laboratory experiments, and computational modelling, this research aims to deliver actionable insights into the technical and regulatory requirements for repurposing legacy wells. By leveraging existing oil and gas assets, this work offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to developing new storage infrastructure.
This project contributes to the energy transition by facilitating large-scale hydrogen adoption, supporting industrial decarbonization, and enabling renewable energy storage. It also aligns with net-zero objectives, reduces environmental impact, and ensures legacy infrastructure plays a critical role in building a clean energy future. Join this pioneering effort to bridge traditional energy practices and sustainable innovation, ensuring a resilient and decarbonized energy system.
Project partner: Not yet determined
The transition to a low-carbon energy system requires innovative solutions to repurpose existing infrastructure. This project explores how legacy oil and gas wells can be transformed into safe and efficient sites for underground hydrogen storage (UHS), a crucial component of renewable energy integration and decarbonization efforts. The focus is on assessing the integrity and suitability of legacy wells, addressing key challenges such as material compatibility with hydrogen, leakage risks, and pressure containment. The project will evaluate retrofitting techniques, advanced monitoring systems, and develop practical frameworks to ensure safe operations. Through analysis of existing field data, laboratory experiments, and computational modelling, this research aims to deliver actionable insights into the technical and regulatory requirements for repurposing legacy wells. By leveraging existing oil and gas assets, this work offers a cost-effective and environmentally sustainable alternative to developing new storage infrastructure.
This project contributes to the energy transition by facilitating large-scale hydrogen adoption, supporting industrial decarbonization, and enabling renewable energy storage. It also aligns with net-zero objectives, reduces environmental impact, and ensures legacy infrastructure plays a critical role in building a clean energy future. Join this pioneering effort to bridge traditional energy practices and sustainable innovation, ensuring a resilient and decarbonized energy system.
Systems integration
Transforming waste to added value products and green energy by MagIC (Magnetic Induction Catalysis)
Lead supervisor: Prof John Andresen & Dr Manuel Ojeda
Project partner: Not yet determined
The amount of industrial waste has been increasing worldwide along with the global population, being considered as a main concern due to the impact not only to the environment but also to the human health and economy. This project will be focused on transform this industrial waste into added value products and green energy carriers by the utilisation of an energy efficient Magnetic Induction Catalytic system recently developed by our group. The project will aim to develop and test new magnetic catalysts based on earth-abundant and inexpensive transition metals such as Nickel, Cobalt and Iron as active supported nanoparticles. The textural and structural properties of the synthesised magnetic catalysis will be then studied and analysed by using different techniques such as X-ray, BET sorption analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy, among others. Then, they will be tested in different reactions at different conditions in order to obtain specific added value products and energy carriers such as Hydrogen or Biofuels, which will help to transit to a circular economy.
Project partner: Not yet determined
The amount of industrial waste has been increasing worldwide along with the global population, being considered as a main concern due to the impact not only to the environment but also to the human health and economy. This project will be focused on transform this industrial waste into added value products and green energy carriers by the utilisation of an energy efficient Magnetic Induction Catalytic system recently developed by our group. The project will aim to develop and test new magnetic catalysts based on earth-abundant and inexpensive transition metals such as Nickel, Cobalt and Iron as active supported nanoparticles. The textural and structural properties of the synthesised magnetic catalysis will be then studied and analysed by using different techniques such as X-ray, BET sorption analysis and FT-IR spectroscopy, among others. Then, they will be tested in different reactions at different conditions in order to obtain specific added value products and energy carriers such as Hydrogen or Biofuels, which will help to transit to a circular economy.
CO2 removals
Could in service life concrete carbonation lead to negative emissions?
Lead supervisor: Prof Phil Renforth
Project partner: Not yet determined
Concrete is a fundamental building material essential to economic development and a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions during its production. Concrete reacts with atmospheric CO2 in all parts of its life cycle (during use, following demolition, and subsequent use). Accounting for passive CO2 uptake during the service life, and maximising uptake following demolition, together with deep emissions reduction in the production of cement could result in a net negative CO2 emission during its life cycle. This PhD project will explore this vital in-service life carbonation of concrete and its possible use for creating a net-negative carbon footprint.
Project partner: Not yet determined
Concrete is a fundamental building material essential to economic development and a substantial contributor to greenhouse gas emissions during its production. Concrete reacts with atmospheric CO2 in all parts of its life cycle (during use, following demolition, and subsequent use). Accounting for passive CO2 uptake during the service life, and maximising uptake following demolition, together with deep emissions reduction in the production of cement could result in a net negative CO2 emission during its life cycle. This PhD project will explore this vital in-service life carbonation of concrete and its possible use for creating a net-negative carbon footprint.
Imperial College London Projects
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage
Modelling CO2 flow and trapping at industrial carbon storage sites
Lead Supervisor: Prof. Samuel Krevor
Project partner: Yes, to be finalised
The goal of this project is to overcome the outstanding issues preventing the accurate modelling of injected CO2 migration and trapping at industrial scale storage projects. Currently modelling of CO2 storage sites is challenging, with CO2 observed to move in directions and at speeds that are not predicted through conventional simulation workflows. Advances made in the Subsurface CO2 Storage Research group have identified that the source of these discrepancies are due to small scale heterogeneities in the reservoir systems. In this project, the student will advance methods for characterising the reservoir and/or simulating CO2 storage in a way that accounts for the impacts of realistic rock structures.
Project partner: Yes, to be finalised
The goal of this project is to overcome the outstanding issues preventing the accurate modelling of injected CO2 migration and trapping at industrial scale storage projects. Currently modelling of CO2 storage sites is challenging, with CO2 observed to move in directions and at speeds that are not predicted through conventional simulation workflows. Advances made in the Subsurface CO2 Storage Research group have identified that the source of these discrepancies are due to small scale heterogeneities in the reservoir systems. In this project, the student will advance methods for characterising the reservoir and/or simulating CO2 storage in a way that accounts for the impacts of realistic rock structures.
Global CO2 storage capacity: Modelling limitations of geography and injectivity
Lead Supervisor: Prof. Samuel Krevor
Project partner: Yes, to be finalised
The importance of carbon capture and storage in the mitigation of climate changes arises from the potential capacity for the injection of large volumes of CO2 into suitable subsurface geologic formations. The assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimate that in the average of scenarios where CO2 concentration is stabilised at 450 ppm by 2100, storage demand approaches 15 Gt CO2 per year by 2050. However, these modelled estimates disregard potential limitations to achieving these rates and volumes of storage from either the geographic availability of subsurface storage reservoirs, or the pressure limitations to allowable rates of injection. The PhD project will extend a suite of models developed in our research group to continue to evaluate the potential for geographic and reservoir injectivity constraints to lead to bottlenecks in the development of large scale CO2 storage globally. Ultimately, we will construct models for plausible development trajectories that may be incorporated into energy systems models of the type used by the IPCC to outline techno-economic pathways for mitigating climate change.
Project partner: Yes, to be finalised
The importance of carbon capture and storage in the mitigation of climate changes arises from the potential capacity for the injection of large volumes of CO2 into suitable subsurface geologic formations. The assessment reports of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change estimate that in the average of scenarios where CO2 concentration is stabilised at 450 ppm by 2100, storage demand approaches 15 Gt CO2 per year by 2050. However, these modelled estimates disregard potential limitations to achieving these rates and volumes of storage from either the geographic availability of subsurface storage reservoirs, or the pressure limitations to allowable rates of injection. The PhD project will extend a suite of models developed in our research group to continue to evaluate the potential for geographic and reservoir injectivity constraints to lead to bottlenecks in the development of large scale CO2 storage globally. Ultimately, we will construct models for plausible development trajectories that may be incorporated into energy systems models of the type used by the IPCC to outline techno-economic pathways for mitigating climate change.
Systems integration
Decarbonising chemical value chains via artificial intelligence agents
Lead Supervisor: Dr Antonio del Rio Chanona
Project partner: BASF
This research proposal aims to identify new platform chemicals that can decarbonize the chemical value chains in the UK and Europe by leveraging AI agents. The overarching project consists of two phases:
Phase 1: Status Quo Analysis: The first phase involves collecting data on the current gas emissions and sustainable goals on the chemical value chains, focusing on identifying chemicals with the highest carbon footprint. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will prioritize not only costs and production volumes but also environmental impact, with a focus on chemicals that offer the greatest potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Chemicals will be selected based on their potential to support sustainability and decarbonization objectives.
Phase 2: AI Agent Development and Optimization: In the second phase, AI agents will be developed to assess the environmental and economic impact of introducing new platform chemicals. These agents will identify chemicals that reduce emissions during production, optimize energy consumption, and explore less energy-intensive reactions. The AI agents (most likely Large Language Models (LLMs)) will autonomously build and optimize various chemical pathways, recommending chemicals that minimize emissions and lower energy use.
By integrating AI into chemical process optimization, we can significantly reduce emissions and contribute to the decarbonization of its value chains, advancing both process efficiency and sustainability in the chemical industry. This AI-driven approach will help meet global sustainability targets while enhancing overall operational efficiency.
This project will be in collaboration with BASF who have pledged match funding as well as data and research expertise.
Project partner: BASF
This research proposal aims to identify new platform chemicals that can decarbonize the chemical value chains in the UK and Europe by leveraging AI agents. The overarching project consists of two phases:
Phase 1: Status Quo Analysis: The first phase involves collecting data on the current gas emissions and sustainable goals on the chemical value chains, focusing on identifying chemicals with the highest carbon footprint. The Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) will prioritize not only costs and production volumes but also environmental impact, with a focus on chemicals that offer the greatest potential for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Chemicals will be selected based on their potential to support sustainability and decarbonization objectives.
Phase 2: AI Agent Development and Optimization: In the second phase, AI agents will be developed to assess the environmental and economic impact of introducing new platform chemicals. These agents will identify chemicals that reduce emissions during production, optimize energy consumption, and explore less energy-intensive reactions. The AI agents (most likely Large Language Models (LLMs)) will autonomously build and optimize various chemical pathways, recommending chemicals that minimize emissions and lower energy use.
By integrating AI into chemical process optimization, we can significantly reduce emissions and contribute to the decarbonization of its value chains, advancing both process efficiency and sustainability in the chemical industry. This AI-driven approach will help meet global sustainability targets while enhancing overall operational efficiency.
This project will be in collaboration with BASF who have pledged match funding as well as data and research expertise.
University of Bath’s Projects
Please note that the University of Bath are now only accepting home students (please see ‘How to apply‘ for the definition of a home student).
Green hydrogen and sustainable fuels/chemicals
Manufacturing functional ceramics for energy applications using low energy sintering methods
Lead Supervisor: Dr James Roscow
Project partner: Not yet determined
Conventional sintering of ceramics requires high temperatures (> 1000 °C) to densify powder preforms and full sintering cycles can take more than 24 hours. As well as being energetically costly, the high temperatures and timescales involved inhibit co-processing of dissimilar materials for electrodes, packaging etc. In the past decade, new techniques have emerged that drastically reduce the temperatures and/or the time required for sintering. These include ‘cold sintering’, where a transient liquid phase aids densification under high pressures (> 250 MPa), moderate temperatures (< 300 °C) and timescales (1-2 hours), and ‘blacklight’ sintering, where the absorption of high-energy light locally heats and densifies ceramics in minutes rather than hours. Whilst the proof-of-principle of these methods has been demonstrated and they are seen as having excellent potential for reducing the energy requirements across ceramic manufacturing industries, functional properties cannot currently compete those of conventionally manufactured materials due to a lack of understanding of the sintering mechanisms. Without this, adequately controlling the manufacturing process, and therefore material properties, is impossible.
This project aims to understand of the mechanisms driving densification in these new low energy methods, which will be used to leverage cold and blacklight sintering to fabricate high performance functional ceramics for energy applications, e.g. fuel cells and solid-state batteries. The reduced temperatures and timescales present exciting opportunities for engineering material properties by forming heterogenous micro- and defect-structures not achievable using conventional processing routes. This will provide a route towards competing with and ultimately outperforming functional ceramics produced by conventional methods.
Project partner: Not yet determined
Conventional sintering of ceramics requires high temperatures (> 1000 °C) to densify powder preforms and full sintering cycles can take more than 24 hours. As well as being energetically costly, the high temperatures and timescales involved inhibit co-processing of dissimilar materials for electrodes, packaging etc. In the past decade, new techniques have emerged that drastically reduce the temperatures and/or the time required for sintering. These include ‘cold sintering’, where a transient liquid phase aids densification under high pressures (> 250 MPa), moderate temperatures (< 300 °C) and timescales (1-2 hours), and ‘blacklight’ sintering, where the absorption of high-energy light locally heats and densifies ceramics in minutes rather than hours. Whilst the proof-of-principle of these methods has been demonstrated and they are seen as having excellent potential for reducing the energy requirements across ceramic manufacturing industries, functional properties cannot currently compete those of conventionally manufactured materials due to a lack of understanding of the sintering mechanisms. Without this, adequately controlling the manufacturing process, and therefore material properties, is impossible.
This project aims to understand of the mechanisms driving densification in these new low energy methods, which will be used to leverage cold and blacklight sintering to fabricate high performance functional ceramics for energy applications, e.g. fuel cells and solid-state batteries. The reduced temperatures and timescales present exciting opportunities for engineering material properties by forming heterogenous micro- and defect-structures not achievable using conventional processing routes. This will provide a route towards competing with and ultimately outperforming functional ceramics produced by conventional methods.
Systems integration
Modular Tooling for Reducing Consumables in Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer (CFRP) Manufacturing
Lead Supervisor: Dr Tim Harrell
Project partner: Not yet determined
The carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) industry is crucial to many advanced sectors due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and durability. However, the manufacturing process involves significant use of consumables, particularly single-use items like vacuum bags and tacky tape, which contribute to both material waste and increased costs. This project aims to address these challenges by developing new modular tooling technologies using silicone sheets, which will replace traditional consumables in processes such as resin infusion. The research will explore the feasibility of creating reusable, adaptable silicone-based tooling system that allows for precise moulding to drastically reducing single-use consumables. The project will focus on both the performance of these modular systems and the practical integration into existing CFRP production lines. By eliminating disposable components, this innovation has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of CFRP manufacturing. A key part of this study will involve re-evaluating the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of CFRP manufacturing, with a focus on how reducing consumables impacts the overall environmental and economic footprint. This work will not only reduce waste and costs in the manufacturing process but also offer an innovative solution to support industries in achieving their sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
Project partner: Not yet determined
The carbon fibre reinforced polymer (CFRP) industry is crucial to many advanced sectors due to its high strength-to-weight ratio and durability. However, the manufacturing process involves significant use of consumables, particularly single-use items like vacuum bags and tacky tape, which contribute to both material waste and increased costs. This project aims to address these challenges by developing new modular tooling technologies using silicone sheets, which will replace traditional consumables in processes such as resin infusion. The research will explore the feasibility of creating reusable, adaptable silicone-based tooling system that allows for precise moulding to drastically reducing single-use consumables. The project will focus on both the performance of these modular systems and the practical integration into existing CFRP production lines. By eliminating disposable components, this innovation has the potential to significantly reduce the environmental impact of CFRP manufacturing. A key part of this study will involve re-evaluating the Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of CFRP manufacturing, with a focus on how reducing consumables impacts the overall environmental and economic footprint. This work will not only reduce waste and costs in the manufacturing process but also offer an innovative solution to support industries in achieving their sustainability and decarbonisation goals.
CO2 removals
Understanding the genetic building blocks of bacterial induced mineral precipitation in relation to the generation of bioconcrete
Lead Supervisor: Dr Emma Denham
Project partner: Not yet determined
Cement production is responsible for 8% total global CO2 emissions. Reducing these emissions is essential to mitigating the impacts of climate change and achieving global climate goals. However, decarbonization of the cement and concrete industries is proving difficult. One potential solution is to utilize bacteria-based solutions. However, to date biologically derived composites have been shown to be weak and unstable in water making them impractical for most applications. Furthermore, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the process of precipitation is currently limited.
To fill this knowledge gap this project will investigate the genetic basis of novel precipitation of calcium-silica minerals via bacteria-induced mineral precipitation (BIMP) in non-ureolytic bacteria. We will characterise strains that undergo BIMP to ascertain which genes are required for this process, using a combination of complementary techniques including transcriptomic profiling and transposon-mutagenesis. This data will provide two areas for exploration. What are the genes required for the molecular processes associated with BIMP? This will include identification of the primary enzymes, but also others regulating the process. Further the data will help optimise the BIMP inducing conditions to increase levels.
The work is timely, and the potential impact of this project is enormous. It is essential that there is an acceleration in the decarbonization of the cement and concrete industries. This can only be achieved by a fundamental step-change. By understanding and optimising this highly innovative technology, we anticipate that we can achieve a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions associated with concrete without sacrificing quality or performance.
Project partner: Not yet determined
Cement production is responsible for 8% total global CO2 emissions. Reducing these emissions is essential to mitigating the impacts of climate change and achieving global climate goals. However, decarbonization of the cement and concrete industries is proving difficult. One potential solution is to utilize bacteria-based solutions. However, to date biologically derived composites have been shown to be weak and unstable in water making them impractical for most applications. Furthermore, our understanding of the molecular mechanisms underpinning the process of precipitation is currently limited.
To fill this knowledge gap this project will investigate the genetic basis of novel precipitation of calcium-silica minerals via bacteria-induced mineral precipitation (BIMP) in non-ureolytic bacteria. We will characterise strains that undergo BIMP to ascertain which genes are required for this process, using a combination of complementary techniques including transcriptomic profiling and transposon-mutagenesis. This data will provide two areas for exploration. What are the genes required for the molecular processes associated with BIMP? This will include identification of the primary enzymes, but also others regulating the process. Further the data will help optimise the BIMP inducing conditions to increase levels.
The work is timely, and the potential impact of this project is enormous. It is essential that there is an acceleration in the decarbonization of the cement and concrete industries. This can only be achieved by a fundamental step-change. By understanding and optimising this highly innovative technology, we anticipate that we can achieve a substantial reduction in CO2 emissions associated with concrete without sacrificing quality or performance.
Integrated theme (social, economic, environmental policy)
Sustainable Fiscal Policy for a Sustainable Climate
Lead Supervisor: Dr Charles Larkin
Project partner: No
While meeting net-zero targets and transitioning to a green industrial base have become a major policy objectives for the UK policymaking community, this must still be delivered in the context of the “business as usual” of the State in terms of ongoing fiscal commitments. In this research project, the student will look at the development of a sustainable climate action fiscal policy strategy that takes into account the need for urgent climate action, a just transition and balancing that against ongoing fiscal demands in health, social transfers, education and security. This work will combine an analysis of Climate and Environmentally Favourable & Unfavourable Revenue & Expenditure actions in the UK with monitoring the implementation of the OECD Paris Collaborative on Green Budgeting and a rights-based approach to a just transition. The objective is to take an all-of-government approach that balances fiscal policy for climate action against well-understood and unavoidable fiscal challenges of demographics and the poorly understood costs of climate change disasters and just transition. The output will be a fiscal policy development and evaluation framework that will assist in the articulation of the appropriate UK fiscal and monetary policy mix to meet stated national objectives for 2030 and 2050.
Project partner: No
While meeting net-zero targets and transitioning to a green industrial base have become a major policy objectives for the UK policymaking community, this must still be delivered in the context of the “business as usual” of the State in terms of ongoing fiscal commitments. In this research project, the student will look at the development of a sustainable climate action fiscal policy strategy that takes into account the need for urgent climate action, a just transition and balancing that against ongoing fiscal demands in health, social transfers, education and security. This work will combine an analysis of Climate and Environmentally Favourable & Unfavourable Revenue & Expenditure actions in the UK with monitoring the implementation of the OECD Paris Collaborative on Green Budgeting and a rights-based approach to a just transition. The objective is to take an all-of-government approach that balances fiscal policy for climate action against well-understood and unavoidable fiscal challenges of demographics and the poorly understood costs of climate change disasters and just transition. The output will be a fiscal policy development and evaluation framework that will assist in the articulation of the appropriate UK fiscal and monetary policy mix to meet stated national objectives for 2030 and 2050.
University of Sheffield’s Projects
Future proof energy and materials feedstock resilience for sustainable aviation fuels supply chain
Lead supervisor/s: Prof Lenny Koh, and Prof M. Pourkashanian
Project partner: EIC industrial partners
The green industrial futures depend on a sustainable and resilient resource supply chain to achieve the net zero goal. This project aims to develop a new approach to future proof energy and materials feedstock resilience for sustainable aviation fuels supply chain. The dual effects of sustainability and security of energy and critical materials supply will underpin the model development. It will involve a paradigm shift which combines geo-spatial-temporal modelling, prospective life cycle analysis, techno-economic assessment and AI methodologies. It will map and analyse the sustainable aviation fuels supply chain beyond organisation and embeds embodied/hidden layer of direct/indirect dependence and closed-loop/circular relation in the value networks at multi-tier. Primary data will be derived from TERC, SAF-IC, IDRIC and industry partners. Co-developed with partners, future scenario for SAFSC will be examined across 2030, 2040 and 2050 via various technological pathways and fed into industry and policy decision making.
Project partner: EIC industrial partners
The green industrial futures depend on a sustainable and resilient resource supply chain to achieve the net zero goal. This project aims to develop a new approach to future proof energy and materials feedstock resilience for sustainable aviation fuels supply chain. The dual effects of sustainability and security of energy and critical materials supply will underpin the model development. It will involve a paradigm shift which combines geo-spatial-temporal modelling, prospective life cycle analysis, techno-economic assessment and AI methodologies. It will map and analyse the sustainable aviation fuels supply chain beyond organisation and embeds embodied/hidden layer of direct/indirect dependence and closed-loop/circular relation in the value networks at multi-tier. Primary data will be derived from TERC, SAF-IC, IDRIC and industry partners. Co-developed with partners, future scenario for SAFSC will be examined across 2030, 2040 and 2050 via various technological pathways and fed into industry and policy decision making.
Integrative systems of carbon removal technologies and green hydrogen scale up and standardisation
Lead supervisor/s: Prof Lenny Koh, and Prof M. Pourkashanian
Project partner: EIC industrial partners
Both carbon removal technologies (a.k.a. negative emission technologies) and hydrogen (especially green) will play a key role towards achieving the net zero commitment. A mixed level of maturity of these technologies, supply chain dependency on imported resources, energy content, climate and energy policies variation have led to the dual challenges on scale up viability and global standardisation. This project aims to unpack the integrative systemic and symbiotic effect of carbon dioxide removals (CDR) and hydrogen on operational, economic, social, behavioural and environmental performance. Advanced modelling and comparative assessments will identify optimum systems combination leading to a resource efficient outcome. A new model and framework will be developed for the scale up and standardisation of integrative systems of CDR and hydrogen.
Project partner: EIC industrial partners
Both carbon removal technologies (a.k.a. negative emission technologies) and hydrogen (especially green) will play a key role towards achieving the net zero commitment. A mixed level of maturity of these technologies, supply chain dependency on imported resources, energy content, climate and energy policies variation have led to the dual challenges on scale up viability and global standardisation. This project aims to unpack the integrative systemic and symbiotic effect of carbon dioxide removals (CDR) and hydrogen on operational, economic, social, behavioural and environmental performance. Advanced modelling and comparative assessments will identify optimum systems combination leading to a resource efficient outcome. A new model and framework will be developed for the scale up and standardisation of integrative systems of CDR and hydrogen.