Applications are now open for PhDs for October 2026 entry. Applications will be reviewed on an on-going basis. At the point of application you will be given a choice to EITHER a) apply to up to two specific projects or b) apply to the CDT-GIF programme, indicating up to two universities at which you would be interested to study.*
*Please be advised that currently only Imperial College London are accepting applications from international students. Whilst the system will allow international students to apply for ‘home only’ projects at all four universities, such applications are NOT being read/reviewed/considered by either the Central Team or the project supervisors at University of Sheffield, University of Bath or Heriot-Watt University.
If you are interested in applying for any of the specific projects listed below, please visit the How to Apply page and click the ‘Apply Now’ button. You may apply for up to 2 projects at any one point in time.
Heriot-Watt University Projects
We have project options across a range of areas, including but not limited to advancing sustainable polymer biodegradation, CO₂ measurement techniques for CCUS, co-adsorption in carbon capture, and hydrogen storage using repurposed oil and gas wells. Supervisors are involved in projects supported by industry. We welcome applicants interested in experimental methods and industry-focused decarbonisation research.
Please note these opportunities are currently open to Home students only at the moment. See the “How to Apply” page for full eligibility criteria.
HW-3-2 Lime carbonation systems for carbon dioxide removal
Lead Supervisor: Prof Phil Renforth
Achieving net-zero and net-negative greenhouse gas emissions will require scalable and durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. One promising pathway is mineral-based carbon capture and storage, in which carbon dioxide reacts with alkaline materials to form stable carbonate minerals. Lime (CaO/Ca(OH)₂), widely produced for industrial applications, offers a highly reactive and potentially scalable material for such processes.
This PhD project will explore lime carbonation systems for carbon dioxide removal, focusing on the fundamental chemistry, process design, and system-level performance of lime-based CDR pathways. The research will investigate how lime can be used to capture CO₂ from air, while addressing challenges related to kinetics, energy demand, material cycling, and overall environmental impact.
-The project may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
-Fundamental carbonation kinetics of lime and hydrated lime under varying conditions
-Design and optimisation of lime carbonation reactors and systems
-Coupling lime carbonation with calcination and material regeneration cycles
-Evaluation of energy, carbon, and material balances for lime-based CDR systems
-Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of candidate processes
-Integration of lime carbonation into industrial or environmental contexts
The exact focus will be shaped by the candidate’s interests and background.
Achieving net-zero and net-negative greenhouse gas emissions will require scalable and durable carbon dioxide removal (CDR) technologies. One promising pathway is mineral-based carbon capture and storage, in which carbon dioxide reacts with alkaline materials to form stable carbonate minerals. Lime (CaO/Ca(OH)₂), widely produced for industrial applications, offers a highly reactive and potentially scalable material for such processes.
This PhD project will explore lime carbonation systems for carbon dioxide removal, focusing on the fundamental chemistry, process design, and system-level performance of lime-based CDR pathways. The research will investigate how lime can be used to capture CO₂ from air, while addressing challenges related to kinetics, energy demand, material cycling, and overall environmental impact.
-The project may include, but is not limited to, the following topics:
-Fundamental carbonation kinetics of lime and hydrated lime under varying conditions
-Design and optimisation of lime carbonation reactors and systems
-Coupling lime carbonation with calcination and material regeneration cycles
-Evaluation of energy, carbon, and material balances for lime-based CDR systems
-Life cycle assessment and techno-economic analysis of candidate processes
-Integration of lime carbonation into industrial or environmental contexts
The exact focus will be shaped by the candidate’s interests and background.
HW-3-4 Enhancing Resource Efficiency by Synergistic Direct Air Capture and Water Harvesting Systems
Lead Supervisors: Asst. Prof Marc Little, Prof Susana Garcia
Developing new technologies to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels is a globally important research challenge. One of the most promising technologies is direct air capture (DAC), which selectively captures CO2 from air for downstream utilisation or storage. DAC systems currently include a process step that uses chemisorbents, such as amine-based materials, to capture CO2. These sorbents are highly selective for CO2, which is important because the concentration of CO2 in the air is around 400 parts per million. However, using chemisorbents for this separation stage presents sustainability challenges, including the need for high energy inputs to regenerate the sorbent during cycling.
This PhD project aims to develop porous materials (physisorbents) that capture water or CO2 from air via physical adsorption. Physisorbents are, in principle, advantageous for DAC systems because they bind CO2 less strongly, which reduces the energy input required for regeneration. However, a key challenge of using physisorbents is the presence of water vapour in the air, which can interfere with CO2 capture. We propose to overcome this by developing an innovative two-step process that combines two separation steps: 1) water harvesting to remove moisture from air, followed by 2) CO2 capture from the resulting dry air. By this combined strategy, the DAC process can become more resource-efficient, particularly in water-stressed areas. The project will interface with a large project team that includes industrial collaborators to develop innovative machine learning methods to accelerate the discovery of physisorbents (Nature, 2024, 632, 89).
The project is at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering. It will involve synthesis and testing, focusing initially on metal-organic frameworks, which have tunable pore structures that can be optimised for specific applications, including CO2 capture. However, there is scope to expand to other material classes such as covalent organic frameworks.
Developing new technologies to reduce atmospheric CO2 levels is a globally important research challenge. One of the most promising technologies is direct air capture (DAC), which selectively captures CO2 from air for downstream utilisation or storage. DAC systems currently include a process step that uses chemisorbents, such as amine-based materials, to capture CO2. These sorbents are highly selective for CO2, which is important because the concentration of CO2 in the air is around 400 parts per million. However, using chemisorbents for this separation stage presents sustainability challenges, including the need for high energy inputs to regenerate the sorbent during cycling.
This PhD project aims to develop porous materials (physisorbents) that capture water or CO2 from air via physical adsorption. Physisorbents are, in principle, advantageous for DAC systems because they bind CO2 less strongly, which reduces the energy input required for regeneration. However, a key challenge of using physisorbents is the presence of water vapour in the air, which can interfere with CO2 capture. We propose to overcome this by developing an innovative two-step process that combines two separation steps: 1) water harvesting to remove moisture from air, followed by 2) CO2 capture from the resulting dry air. By this combined strategy, the DAC process can become more resource-efficient, particularly in water-stressed areas. The project will interface with a large project team that includes industrial collaborators to develop innovative machine learning methods to accelerate the discovery of physisorbents (Nature, 2024, 632, 89).
The project is at the interface of chemistry and chemical engineering. It will involve synthesis and testing, focusing initially on metal-organic frameworks, which have tunable pore structures that can be optimised for specific applications, including CO2 capture. However, there is scope to expand to other material classes such as covalent organic frameworks.
HW-3-5 From Pollution to Resource: Process Modelling for Electrochemical Valorisation of Flue Gas
Lead Supervisor: Prof Susana Garcia
The use of CO₂ as a resource and feedstock for chemical synthesis has been proposed as a way to cut reliance on fossil fuels and to reduce global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions by around 10%. Among the many sources of CO₂, flue gas from fossil fuel combustion and industrial activity stands out as a major, localised, and concentrated stream that can be directly targeted. Flue gas is composed primarily of nitrogen, but it also contains up to 33% CO₂, water vapor, and smaller amounts of other harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. Tackling flue gas emissions is therefore a powerful and practical strategy for curbing greenhouse gases at their point of release.
Nitrogen oxide emissions are often overlooked, even though their environmental and health consequences are profound. As key drivers of smog, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion, these compounds destabilize ecosystems and harm human health. Meanwhile, nitrous oxide, the third most abundant nitrogen oxide component, is itself a greenhouse gas with nearly 300 times the warming potential of CO₂. The steady rise in atmospheric nitrogen oxides demands urgent solutions. Beyond mitigation, these pollutants and their derivatives such as nitrites and nitrates represent an untapped opportunity as they can be converted into valuable products.
This project aims to address both challenges by developing process models for an electrochemical platform that can simultaneously purify and valorise CO₂ and nitrogen oxides from industrial flue gas. The work begins with thermodynamics-based models, which will then evolve in complexity to account for additional factors needed to achieve realistic and adaptable process models for industrial use. The end goal is to deliver robust tools capable of guiding industrial-scale implementation.
The use of CO₂ as a resource and feedstock for chemical synthesis has been proposed as a way to cut reliance on fossil fuels and to reduce global anthropogenic CO₂ emissions by around 10%. Among the many sources of CO₂, flue gas from fossil fuel combustion and industrial activity stands out as a major, localised, and concentrated stream that can be directly targeted. Flue gas is composed primarily of nitrogen, but it also contains up to 33% CO₂, water vapor, and smaller amounts of other harmful pollutants, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and sulfur oxides. Tackling flue gas emissions is therefore a powerful and practical strategy for curbing greenhouse gases at their point of release.
Nitrogen oxide emissions are often overlooked, even though their environmental and health consequences are profound. As key drivers of smog, acid rain, and ozone layer depletion, these compounds destabilize ecosystems and harm human health. Meanwhile, nitrous oxide, the third most abundant nitrogen oxide component, is itself a greenhouse gas with nearly 300 times the warming potential of CO₂. The steady rise in atmospheric nitrogen oxides demands urgent solutions. Beyond mitigation, these pollutants and their derivatives such as nitrites and nitrates represent an untapped opportunity as they can be converted into valuable products.
This project aims to address both challenges by developing process models for an electrochemical platform that can simultaneously purify and valorise CO₂ and nitrogen oxides from industrial flue gas. The work begins with thermodynamics-based models, which will then evolve in complexity to account for additional factors needed to achieve realistic and adaptable process models for industrial use. The end goal is to deliver robust tools capable of guiding industrial-scale implementation.
HW-3-6 AI-driven discovery of MOF materials for Direct Air Capture Applications
Lead Supervisor: Prof Susana Garcia
To achieve net-zero targets by 2050, it is essential to remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, in addition to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This project focuses on optimizing and reducing the costs of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies, a critical pathway to CO₂ removal from the atmosphere, by exploring the application of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as advanced materials.
MOFs, renowned for their high surface area, tuneable porosity, and versatile chemical functionalities, hold immense potential for a wide range of applications including CO₂ capture. The student will investigate MOF-based solutions for DAC, with an emphasis on developing data-driven approaches for speeding up the screening of materials and the evaluation of the performance of DAC processes.
The research will also focus on assessing materials performance under real-world conditions and evaluating their cost-effectiveness and scalability for industrial adoption. Additionally, the project will compare the performance of MOFs with benchmark materials and current state-of-the-art technologies to provide a comprehensive evaluation of their advantages and limitations. This comparative analysis will help identify opportunities where MOFs can outperform existing solutions and contribute to the development of innovative and competitive technologies for addressing global energy and environmental challenges.
The project will provide hands-on experience in research methodologies, critical thinking, and problem-solving in this impactful and rapidly growing field.
To achieve net-zero targets by 2050, it is essential to remove significant amounts of carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the atmosphere, in addition to substantial reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. This project focuses on optimizing and reducing the costs of Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies, a critical pathway to CO₂ removal from the atmosphere, by exploring the application of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) as advanced materials.
MOFs, renowned for their high surface area, tuneable porosity, and versatile chemical functionalities, hold immense potential for a wide range of applications including CO₂ capture. The student will investigate MOF-based solutions for DAC, with an emphasis on developing data-driven approaches for speeding up the screening of materials and the evaluation of the performance of DAC processes.
The research will also focus on assessing materials performance under real-world conditions and evaluating their cost-effectiveness and scalability for industrial adoption. Additionally, the project will compare the performance of MOFs with benchmark materials and current state-of-the-art technologies to provide a comprehensive evaluation of their advantages and limitations. This comparative analysis will help identify opportunities where MOFs can outperform existing solutions and contribute to the development of innovative and competitive technologies for addressing global energy and environmental challenges.
The project will provide hands-on experience in research methodologies, critical thinking, and problem-solving in this impactful and rapidly growing field.
HW-3-7 Unlocking Migration Assisted Storage Potential in the UK Continental Shelf
Lead Supervisors: Prof Susana Garcia, RF Amir Jahanbakhsh
Saline aquifers represent the largest long-term CO₂ storage option in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), offering vast capacity and fewer penetrations than depleted hydrocarbon fields. Recent assessments confirm that open aquifers dominate the offshore resource base, yet their potential is often underestimated when storage evaluations focus only on structural traps. Migration Assisted Storage (MAS) provides a promising alternative, allowing injected CO₂ to migrate within unconfined aquifers where it is progressively immobilised through residual and solubility trapping. Although the concept has been recognised in other regions, its capacity, behaviour and risks under UKCS conditions remain poorly constrained.
This PhD will advance the scientific basis and practical feasibility of MAS for UK aquifers by investigating the factors that control plume migration, trapping efficiency and long-term containment. The project will quantify the additional capacity that MAS could unlock compared to conventional structural storage, while evaluating how geological heterogeneity, facies connectivity and intraformational barriers influence plume behaviour and immobilisation. It will also develop approaches to predict dynamic plume footprints, providing a scientific foundation for defining safe site boundaries in migration-based storage systems. A further component will examine the interaction of migrating CO₂ with other subsurface users in the North Sea, including legacy wells, hydrogen storage and offshore renewables, to explore both risks and opportunities for coexistence. The project will also consider monitoring and verification strategies tailored to MAS, assessing how different technologies could be deployed to detect and track plumes in complex offshore environments.
This research will strengthen the UK’s storage portfolio and contribute directly to the safe, efficient and large-scale deployment of CO₂ storage in support of national net-zero targets.
Saline aquifers represent the largest long-term CO₂ storage option in the UK Continental Shelf (UKCS), offering vast capacity and fewer penetrations than depleted hydrocarbon fields. Recent assessments confirm that open aquifers dominate the offshore resource base, yet their potential is often underestimated when storage evaluations focus only on structural traps. Migration Assisted Storage (MAS) provides a promising alternative, allowing injected CO₂ to migrate within unconfined aquifers where it is progressively immobilised through residual and solubility trapping. Although the concept has been recognised in other regions, its capacity, behaviour and risks under UKCS conditions remain poorly constrained.
This PhD will advance the scientific basis and practical feasibility of MAS for UK aquifers by investigating the factors that control plume migration, trapping efficiency and long-term containment. The project will quantify the additional capacity that MAS could unlock compared to conventional structural storage, while evaluating how geological heterogeneity, facies connectivity and intraformational barriers influence plume behaviour and immobilisation. It will also develop approaches to predict dynamic plume footprints, providing a scientific foundation for defining safe site boundaries in migration-based storage systems. A further component will examine the interaction of migrating CO₂ with other subsurface users in the North Sea, including legacy wells, hydrogen storage and offshore renewables, to explore both risks and opportunities for coexistence. The project will also consider monitoring and verification strategies tailored to MAS, assessing how different technologies could be deployed to detect and track plumes in complex offshore environments.
This research will strengthen the UK’s storage portfolio and contribute directly to the safe, efficient and large-scale deployment of CO₂ storage in support of national net-zero targets.
HW-3-9 Catalytic conversion of biomass to synthesis gas for green industrial processing
Lead Supervisors: Prof John Andresen, RF Manuel Ojeda
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.
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.
HW-3-12 Smart Water Engineering for a Waterless Distillery
Lead Supervisors: Prof John Andresen, Dr Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu
Waterless Distillery – Radical Water Reduction in Scotch Whisky Production
Challenge Statement: How do we make Scotch Whisky distilling processes water neutral (1L water used to produce 1L in product) to eliminate wastewater and potential strain on local water supplies, while ensuring continuous production? This project will look at the full distilling process in scotch whisky and reimagine all aspects of the traditional role of water. This will include looking beyond what is currently possible – a theoretical design of the lowest possible water consumption that could still deliver spirit recognisable as scotch whisky. Working in collaboration with Diageo Technical and Sustainable engineering teams, the project will also offer the opportunity to spend time on an industrial placement with a Diageo technical team.
Waterless Distillery – Radical Water Reduction in Scotch Whisky Production
Challenge Statement: How do we make Scotch Whisky distilling processes water neutral (1L water used to produce 1L in product) to eliminate wastewater and potential strain on local water supplies, while ensuring continuous production? This project will look at the full distilling process in scotch whisky and reimagine all aspects of the traditional role of water. This will include looking beyond what is currently possible – a theoretical design of the lowest possible water consumption that could still deliver spirit recognisable as scotch whisky. Working in collaboration with Diageo Technical and Sustainable engineering teams, the project will also offer the opportunity to spend time on an industrial placement with a Diageo technical team.
Imperial College London Projects
We have project options across a range of areas, including but not limited to decarbonisation of existing heavy industry, recovering critical raw materials from electronic and industrial waste, downstream CO₂ processing, and modelling the full chain of CO2 capture and storage, including limitations in global CO₂ storage capacity.
Please note these opportunities are open for either Home or international applicants. See the “How to Apply” page for full eligibility criteria.
IC-3-7 Rewiring Mammalian Cells Metabolism to Enable Sustainable On-Demand Biomanufacturing
Lead Supervisors: Dr Francesca Ceroni, Dr Rodrigo Ledesma Amaro, Dr Cleo Kontoravdi
Mammalian cells are central hosts for biomanufacturing applications ranging from therapeutic protein production to cultivated meat. However, the scalability and sustainability of these systems are constrained by the high costs and environmental impact of cell culturing and scale up. Genetic engineering of mammalian cells impacts their growth leading to lower biomass and product yields while reliance of these hosts on complex media formulations makes the process unsustainable. This project aims to address these challenges by integrating synthetic biology, genome engineering, metabolic modelling and process and life cycle analysis to develop new mammalian cell chassis for sustainable biomanufacturing applications.
Mammalian cells are central hosts for biomanufacturing applications ranging from therapeutic protein production to cultivated meat. However, the scalability and sustainability of these systems are constrained by the high costs and environmental impact of cell culturing and scale up. Genetic engineering of mammalian cells impacts their growth leading to lower biomass and product yields while reliance of these hosts on complex media formulations makes the process unsustainable. This project aims to address these challenges by integrating synthetic biology, genome engineering, metabolic modelling and process and life cycle analysis to develop new mammalian cell chassis for sustainable biomanufacturing applications.
University of Bath Projects
We have project options across a range of areas, including but not limited to life cycle assessment of industrial technologies, environmental psychology of decarbonisation, the use and production of hydrogen, opportunities for high temperature fuel replacement. We are looking for the right candidate to be part of our CDT and we have a range of supervisors and projects available.
Please note that this project are open to Home & International students at the moment. See the “How to Apply” page for full eligibility criteria.
***Open to International** BU-3-4 Optimising Stamping Die Geometries to Eliminate Sheet Metal Scrap
Lead Supervisors: Dr Evros Loukaides
Mitigating climate change will necessitate a significant reduction in the production of steel and aluminium, both of which contribute substantially to global emissions. A major issue is the considerable waste generated during metal processing; upwards of 30% of these materials are cut off and don’t make it into final products. This waste often comes from process scrap trimmed after forming operations.
In the sheet metal forming industry, stamping scrap can easily exceed 40% for a typical automotive component. This excess material is frequently included to facilitate forming and simplify die design. Historically, waste reduction hasn’t been a primary focus for die designers, as material costs were relatively low compared to factors like labor and production rates.
Recent research, however, has demonstrated that targeted interventions in die designs can significantly increase material utilization without requiring replacement of existing process infrastructure. The “folding-shearing” process [1], for instance, was introduced to eliminate the need for blank holders in stamping operations and is now being commercialized by DeepForm Ltd, an industrial partner for this project.
The design of stamping dies is a highly technical process, relying primarily on sophisticated simulations and human expertise. It can be time-consuming, and there’s often no guarantee of achieving an optimal design. Current software predominantly focuses on optimising for formability and feasibility, often adhering to conventional die designs.
This project will adopt cutting-edge data-based optimisation approaches to design die geometries that minimize the size of the blank needed to produce a specific part. The scale of this problem necessitates combining dimensional reduction with fast optimisation methods to ensure computational tractability.
DeepForm, a Cambridge-based startup, engages with automotive OEMs and first-tier suppliers. They leverage their patented fold-shear metal pressing processes to reduce costs and CO2 emissions. Originating in academia, DeepForm continues to support research through various avenues. This project will greatly benefit from their extensive knowledge base, internal expertise, and growing exposure to the stamping industry.
Mitigating climate change will necessitate a significant reduction in the production of steel and aluminium, both of which contribute substantially to global emissions. A major issue is the considerable waste generated during metal processing; upwards of 30% of these materials are cut off and don’t make it into final products. This waste often comes from process scrap trimmed after forming operations.
In the sheet metal forming industry, stamping scrap can easily exceed 40% for a typical automotive component. This excess material is frequently included to facilitate forming and simplify die design. Historically, waste reduction hasn’t been a primary focus for die designers, as material costs were relatively low compared to factors like labor and production rates.
Recent research, however, has demonstrated that targeted interventions in die designs can significantly increase material utilization without requiring replacement of existing process infrastructure. The “folding-shearing” process [1], for instance, was introduced to eliminate the need for blank holders in stamping operations and is now being commercialized by DeepForm Ltd, an industrial partner for this project.
The design of stamping dies is a highly technical process, relying primarily on sophisticated simulations and human expertise. It can be time-consuming, and there’s often no guarantee of achieving an optimal design. Current software predominantly focuses on optimising for formability and feasibility, often adhering to conventional die designs.
This project will adopt cutting-edge data-based optimisation approaches to design die geometries that minimize the size of the blank needed to produce a specific part. The scale of this problem necessitates combining dimensional reduction with fast optimisation methods to ensure computational tractability.
DeepForm, a Cambridge-based startup, engages with automotive OEMs and first-tier suppliers. They leverage their patented fold-shear metal pressing processes to reduce costs and CO2 emissions. Originating in academia, DeepForm continues to support research through various avenues. This project will greatly benefit from their extensive knowledge base, internal expertise, and growing exposure to the stamping industry.
University of Sheffield Projects
We have project options across a range of areas, including but not limited to AI-based analysis of environmental datasets, future-proofing sustainable aviation fuel supply chains, and modelling integrative systems for hydrogen and carbon removal technologies. Supervisors work closely with industry partners, and we welcome applicants interested in energy, sustainability, and data-driven solutions.
Please note these opportunities are open to Home applicants only at the moment. See the “How to Apply” page for full eligibility criteria.
SU-2-1 Futureproof energy and materials feedstock resilience for sustainable aviation fuels supply chain
Lead Supervisor: Prof Lenny Koh
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.
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.
SU-2-2 Integrative systems of carbon removal technologies and green hydrogen scale up and standardisation
Lead Supervisor: Prof Lenny Koh
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.
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.
SU-3-1 Hydrogen Conversion of a Gas Turbine – Optimisation Operating Parameters for Co-Firing
Lead Supervisor: Dr Karen Finney
This project will include experimental work on industrial pilot-scale plants at the Energy Innovation Centre – including the multi-fuel gas turbine and the hydrogen electrolyser. A number of operating parameters can be manipulated to alter the performance of a gas turbine, whether utilising natural gas, hydrogen or blends of these. This project will consider a range of operating parameters, optimising these and various process conditions to enhance the overall performance of the gas turbine employing specific indicators. Used with a complementary CFD modelling approach, the research will define the optimal values for a range of key parameters and explore how these differ for various turndown ratios and fuel blends. This will be applicable to gas turbine power stations, enabling them to devise operating strategies to enhance performance based on fuel availability and load requirements. There may also be applications for industrial gas firing plants, where fuel costs and availability may determine the operating strategy required.
This project will include experimental work on industrial pilot-scale plants at the Energy Innovation Centre – including the multi-fuel gas turbine and the hydrogen electrolyser. A number of operating parameters can be manipulated to alter the performance of a gas turbine, whether utilising natural gas, hydrogen or blends of these. This project will consider a range of operating parameters, optimising these and various process conditions to enhance the overall performance of the gas turbine employing specific indicators. Used with a complementary CFD modelling approach, the research will define the optimal values for a range of key parameters and explore how these differ for various turndown ratios and fuel blends. This will be applicable to gas turbine power stations, enabling them to devise operating strategies to enhance performance based on fuel availability and load requirements. There may also be applications for industrial gas firing plants, where fuel costs and availability may determine the operating strategy required.