Integrating Macroeconomics and Offshore Wind Energy: Assessing Economic Impacts and Policy Interventions

This PhD scholarship is offered by the EPSRC CDT 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, RenewableUK. The successful applicant will undertake six-month of training with the rest of the CDT cohort at the University of Hull before continuing their PhD research at Loughborough University.

This PhD project will explore the macroeconomic impacts of renewable energy, particularly offshore wind, in the UK.

The UK has positioned itself as a global leader in renewable energy, with offshore wind power playing a crucial role in its transition to a low-carbon economy. Offshore wind has rapidly become central to the UK’s efforts to meet its 2050 net-zero target, leveraging the nation’s abundant wind resources and extensive coastline.

This growth, fuelled by government support, technological advancements, and falling costs, is reshaping the UK’s energy landscape. However, the wider macroeconomic implications of this transformation remain underexplored. A deeper understanding of the regional and sectoral impacts of these investments is essential for developing policies that maximise benefits and address potential challenges.

This PhD research will leverage cutting-edge developments in macroeconomic modelling and (environmental) general equilibrium theory to model the energy sector within a dynamic, multi-region, multi-sector spatial economy model.

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 student 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, or related fields, we would like to hear from you. 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.