The Economic Impact of Offshore Wind Farm Development on Energy Pricing and Market Dynamics in the UK

This PhD scholarship is offered by the EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience; a partnership between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough and Sheffield. The project is sponsored by industry partner, Renewable UK. The successful applicant will undertake six-months of training with the rest of the CDT cohort at the University of Hull before continuing their PhD research at Loughborough University.

We invite applications for this funded PhD research position working under the supervision of Dr Anna Rita Bennato, Prof Robert Dorrell and Dr Franco Mariuzzo. This project focuses on evaluating the economic effects of offshore wind farm development on UK energy markets, including energy pricing, market dynamics, and the role of emerging technologies.

The UK’s commitment to offshore wind power is essential to meeting its carbon reduction goals. This PhD will examine the economic implications of integrating large-scale offshore wind facilities into the national grid, particularly in relation to energy pricing, supply-demand responses, and market competitiveness. Using rigorous quantitative analysis, the project will investigate how offshore wind influences pricing strategies, infrastructure demands, and complementary renewable energy sources, providing insights into policy and regulatory approaches that can support a balanced energy transition.

We seek candidates with a background in economics, environmental science, or a related discipline, with demonstrated strengths in quantitative analysis, econometrics, and a keen interest in renewable energy markets. This opportunity is ideal for students passionate about renewable energy, economic strategy, and sustainable policy design. This scholarship is co-funded by Renewable UK.

Training & Skills

You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme at the University of Hull for the new student intake, drawing on the expertise and facilities of all four academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.

The successful applicant will develop a wide range of numerical modelling and programming skills that will provide excellent career opportunities in both academia and industry.

Entry Requirements

If you have received a First-class Honours degree, or a 2:1 Honours degree and a Masters, or a Distinction at Masters level with any undergraduate degree (or the international equivalents) in economics, energy economics, environmental science or related fields, we would like to hear from you. with demonstrated strengths in quantitative analysis, econometrics, and a keen interest in renewable energy markets. This opportunity is ideal for students passionate about renewable energy, economic strategy, and sustainable policy design. Strong analytical, quantitative and interdisciplinary collaboration skills are essential.

If your first language is not English, or you require Tier 4 student visa to study, you will be required to provide evidence of your English language proficiency level that meets the requirements of the Aura CDT’s academic partners. This course requires academic IELTS 7.0 overall, with no less than 6.0 in each skill.

Guaranteed interview scheme 

The CDT is committed to generating a diverse and inclusive training programme and is looking to attract applicants from all backgrounds. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for home fee status candidates who identify as Black or Black mixed or Asian or Asian mixed if they meet the programme entry requirements. This positive action is to support recruitment of these under-represented ethnic groups to our programme and is an opt in process. Find out more.

How to apply

Applications to the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience are made to the University where the PhD project is based. You will find full instructions and links on the CDT website.