​​​2050 Single Electricity Market (SEM) model development​

Electricity markets must overcome a challenging transformation from fossil fuel-dominant systems into renewable energy-based systems, supporting reliable operation and adopting its design into a new technological paradigm.

The Single Electricity Market operating across the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland electricity systems is one of the leading markets for renewable energy (predominantly wind) integration. Governments of both jurisdictions aim to achieve at least 80 % of renewable generation shares in 2030 electricity demand and achieve fully decarbonised systems by 2050.

Whilst it is evident that the leading in decarbonisation role will belong to renewable generators, there is no concensus regarding full decarbonisation of the power sector. A range of technological solutions have been proposed. Among them there are nuclear modular reactors, thermal generators assisted with carbon capture utilisation and storage or operated on alternative feedstock, such as hydrogen, ammonia or methanol. Additionally, energy storage and demand response technologies will play a crucial role for the energy transition.

The successful PhD candidate will develop a 2050 Single Electricity Market model using one of the power systems optimisation software such as Plexos, Backbone or their alternatives. A range of scenarios will be developed and compared regarding technological, environmental, economic, investment and social acceptability metrics.

The successful PhD candidate will be part of the Centre for Sustainable Technologies team and have the opportunity to engage with researchers from Ulster University and global scientific communities. The candidate will also develop skills in electricity market modelling that are widely applicable to successful future career development in both industry and commercial and academic research fields.

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

• Research proposal of 2000 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• Masters at 65%
• Publications - peer-reviewed

The University offers the following levels of support:

The following scholarship options are available to applicants worldwide:

• Full Award: (full-time tuition fees + £19,000 (tbc))
• Part Award: (full-time tuition fees + £9,500)
• Fees Only Award: (full-time tuition fees)

These scholarships will cover full-time PhD tuition fees for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance) and will provide a £900 per annum research training support grant (RTSG) to help support the PhD researcher.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Please note: you will automatically be entered into the competition for the Full Award, unless you state otherwise in your application.

The scholarship will cover tuition fees at the Home rate and a maintenance allowance of £19,000 (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).

This scholarship also comes with £900 per annum for three years as a research training support grant (RTSG) allocation to help support the PhD researcher.

• Candidates with pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, who also satisfy a three year residency requirement in the UK prior to the start of the course for which a Studentship is held MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance.
• Republic of Ireland (ROI) nationals who satisfy three years’ residency in the UK prior to the start of the course MAY receive a Studentship covering fees and maintenance (ROI nationals don’t need to have pre-settled or settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme to qualify).
• Other non-ROI EU applicants are ‘International’ are not eligible for this source of funding.
• Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies. Further information on cost of living

• 1. Committee on Climate Change, The Sixth Carbon Budget Electricity generation, 2020 [Available at]: https://www.theccc.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Sector-summary-Electricity-generation.pdf
• 2. Economic Consulting Associates, PLEXOS Validation 2019- 25 and Backcast, 2020, [Available at] https://www.semcommittee.com/sites/semc/files/media-files/SEM-20-004%20SEM%20PLEXOS%20Validation%20%282019-2025%29%20and%20Backcast%20Report.pdf
• 3. EirGrid, SONI, Industry Guide to the I-SEM, 2018, [Available at] https://www.sem-o.com/documents/general-publications/I-SEM-Industry-Guide.pdf
• 4. EirGrid Group, Quick Guide to the Integrated Single electricity market, [Available at]: https://www.eirgridgroup.com/__uuid/1458bec2-f1e3-493c-92de-8dd2228bca1c/EirGrid-Group-I-SEM-QuickGuide.pdf
• 5. Kirschen, D.S. and Strbac, G., 2018. Fundamentals of power system economics. Hoboken. John Wiley & Sons.