Advancing Energy System Modelling for Optimised Hydrogen Infrastructure and Energy Resilience in Scotland
This research aims to advance in energy system modelling to support scalable, resilient hydrogen infrastructure in Scotland by developing predictive analytics, enhanced scenario planning, and optimisation capabilities tailored to hydrogen production, storage, and grid integration requirements.
Research Opportunities
Summary
The proposed research will advance energy system modelling to support Scotland's evolving hydrogen infrastructure needs, enhancing analytical and decision-support capabilities for complex hydrogen infrastructure projects. This PhD project aims to develop tools that can optimise site selection, enable production scaling, and provide alignment with policy-driven hydrogen objectives, such as those outlined in Scotland’s Hydrogen Action Plan.
The PhD project will be supported by existing RGU energy system modelling (ESM) frameworks and focus on four key research topics :
- Advanced Predictive Modelling: Expanding EMSs to simulate grid scenarios over extended planning horizons, helping assess the impact of increased hydrogen production on grid resilience, resource utilisation, and infrastructure investment.
- Optimisation for Multi-Vector Energy Systems: Leveraging machine learning, the modelling tool will provide precise location recommendations for hydrogen hubs based on factors such as energy availability, storage capacity, and logistics, while accounting for future energy demands and emerging renewable sources.
- Scenario-Based Decision Support: By enabling the automated exploration of alternative scenarios, the modelling approach will offer flexibility to government agencies, energy developers, and regional planners. The goal is to enable the alignment of hydrogen projects with spatial planning goals, optimising location, cost, and grid connectivity in accordance with National Planning Framework 4.
- Integration of Regulatory and Economic Factors: The incorporation of legislative and economic constraints specific to hydrogen development will make the modelling framework a valuable resource for risk management and informed investment decisions.
The resulting enhanced energy system modelling approach will support Scotland’s energy transition, enabling scalable, cost-effective hydrogen infrastructure that aligns with national objectives. In addition to strengthening Scotland's hydrogen economy, this PhD will offer adaptability to broader applications, providing useful insights for scaling hydrogen projects on a global scale.
This project is multidisciplinary, bridging engineering and computer science, making it ideal for graduates from these or related fields. The ideal candidate should have foundational coding skills, with experience in Python preferred, though Java or other object-oriented programming languages are also acceptable. Familiarity with modelling tools such as MATLAB, Calliope, or other energy system modelling frameworks is advantageous. While knowledge of hydrogen infrastructure is a plus, it is not essential, as training in AI and machine learning techniques - including single and multi-objective optimisation and time series modelling - will be provided throughout the project.
Supervisors
Discuss this further with a potential supervisor for this research degree:
Research Themes
Find other Research Degrees in the same theme:
About our Research Degrees
We welcome specific ideas from applicants for a potential research degree topic. The University offers a number of potential self-funded topics in each School which you could consider developing your research project around.
It is not unusual for a proposed research degree topic to evolve as you progress through the application stage and even your future studies. This ensures the best match of your academic/professional experience with that of your supervisory team.
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
If you need any further support prior to applying, please email researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk
Entry requirements
Entry Requirements for Research Degrees
Normal entry requirements are a first or upper second class honours degree from a University of the United Kingdom, or from an overseas University, or degree equivalent qualification, subject to the approval of Robert Gordon University.
Applicants holding other qualifications shall be considered on their merits and in relation to the nature and scope of the proposed research programme.
Applicants will normally register for an MSc/PhD or MRes/PhD with transfer to PhD dependent on satisfactory progress. However, applicants who already possess a Master’s degree which includes a significant research component could be registered directly for a PhD, subject to a satisfactory research proposal, and clear evidence of research expertise.
Some Research Degree Topics require employment experience, research experience and/or transcripts for international qualifications.
Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk to see if you are eligible.
English Language
Any applicant whose first language or language of previous University-level instruction is not English must normally demonstrate competence in English. This should be a score of IELTS 6.5 with 6.5 in all elements, or an approved equivalent.
We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:
Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact researchdegrees@rgu.ac.uk for further information.
Fees & Costs
For Academic Year 2024/2025
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,786 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,870 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,390 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £19,450 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,670 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,720 per academic year
For Academic Year 2023/2024
UK/EU Students
- Full time - £4,712 per academic year
- Part time MPhil/PhD - £2,830 per academic year
- Part time MRes/MSc by research - £2,356 per academic year
International Students
- Full time - £18,700 per academic year
- Part-time MPhil/PhD - £11,220 per academic year
- Part-time MRes/MSc by research - £9,350 per academic year
Additional Costs
The following course-related costs are not included in the course fees:
- The cost of books that you may wish to purchase
- Accommodation and living costs
- Printing
Alumni Discount
Robert Gordon University is delighted to offer a 20% discount on course fees for all alumni who have graduated from RGU.
Scholarships and Financial Awards
Postgraduate research students will normally make their own arrangements for payment of fees. However you may qualify for a scholarship or financial award:
Funded Studentships
Occasionally, the University will also advertise available funded studentships, for very specific topics or subjects:
Disclaimer
For new intakes course fees are reviewed and published annually for each mode of delivery. Tuition fees are fixed for the duration of a course at the rate confirmed in the offer letter. For further information see:
How to Apply
Applications
All applications should be made via the University's online application for research students.
Before you apply, find out more about the application process, research proposal writing guides, routes and durations:
Our Research degrees usually start in February and October each year. There are no formal deadlines for you to submit your application, though we recommend you submit it as early as possible in order to ensure we can help you join us at your preferred time.
Completed application forms should be accompanied by:
- Degree certificate
- Statement of purpose, detailing why you would like to study this degree in the UK, and why you have chosen RGU.
- A short research proposal, in the range of 1,500 - 3,000 words, containing a rationale and background, study aims and objectives, a literature review, proposed research methods and a full reference list.
Further guidance on the application process:
English Language Requirements
All applicants whose first language is not from a recognised English speaking country will be asked to provide evidence of their English language skills as part of their offer to study at RGU.
Find out more about the English language qualification we accept:
Ready to start this Research Degree?
Find out about our entry requirements, application dates and how to apply.
Any questions?
Get in touch with our team and we'll do our best to help.