PhD scholarship in Energy Economics

Hydrogen Market Modelling, Environmental Impacts and Regulation

The Sustainability Division at DTU Management offers a Ph.D. position in the section Energy Economics and Systems Analysis (in cooperation with the Quantitative Sustainability Section) with a focus on the hydrogen market modelling to project demand and supply and to assess of environmental impacts. The position is opened to be filled as soon as possible.

The Energy Economics and System Analysis (EESY) section provides tools and expertise, supporting national and international policy-making in the green transition of energy systems. The section offers an excellent research environment with international staff, postdocs, and PhD students.

The overall research question of the section is how energy systems can be decarbonised and how to design and operate systems and markets with large amounts of variable renewable energy. The section develops energy system models that integrate all energy carriers and sectors that at the same time enable a cost-efficient integration of low-carbon technologies in the energy system. This provides decision support for diverse stakeholders from both, policymaking and industry, in the context of the energy transition.

Hereby, the research in the section addresses some of the main challenges for modelling the green energy transition, for example considering the stochastic supply from renewable technologies, the increasing need of flexibility in the energy system and how regulation and market design can support the energy transition. Energy data is analysed and with the help of statistical and data science techniques to learn about the development of the energy system or to prepare the data for its application to large-scale energy system and power market models. The section combines competences within systems analyses, market design, regulation, econometrics, operations management and energy technology assessment.

This position is funded by DTU Management and the Ph.D. candidate will take part in the SuperP2G project.

Hydrogen and synthetic fuels based on green hydrogen are expected to play a significant role in the decarbonisation of the entire energy system, as they enable to replace fossil fuels in sectors where green electricity can hardly be used. Especially in the heavy-duty transport and aviation sectors hydrogen is seen as a promising decarbonisation option. The hydrogen market is still at a very early stage and most investments are supported by either subsidy programmes or strategic investment decisions of major market players. However, the market is developing quite rapidly and new investments are planned by different players (from early innovators to major oil companies that are reconsidering their investment decisions).

Responsibilities
The aim of the thesis is to quantify the techno-economic and environmental benefits/impacts of introducing hydrogen in Denmark and EU as a green fuel.

A market simulation model will be developed to project demand from various sectors (transport, aviation and heating) and to match this demand with possible pathways of hydrogen supply. An equilibrium model of hydrogen demand and supply can be applied to make projections of expected market volumes and prices. Different regulatory frameworks that support the adaption of hydrogen in different sectors will be analysed for their effectiveness and economic efficiency. In addition, the hydrogen market model will be coupled with a life cycle assessment to also determine environmental impacts.

In detail, the PhD project focuses on the following research topics:

• Modelling of the hydrogen market, including demand projections and applying an agent-based simulation and/or a partial equilibrium model.
• Analysis of the regulatory framework to support hydrogen adoption as green fuel
• Integration of green certificates into the market simulation to ensure green production of hydrogen
• Life cycle assessment to quantify environmental impacts of different scenarios/projections.

The PhD project should enable:

• Dissemination of project results in reports, articles, talks etc.
• Participation to expert seminars and workshops involving policy and digital/energy stakeholders

The Ph.D. candidate shall employ micro economic theory and policy analysis, applicable to the energy and transport sectors as well as LCA methods to assess environmental impacts.

Qualifications
We are seeking candidates with Master’s degree (120 ECTS points) in economics, science or engineering, or a similar degree with an academic level equivalent to a two-year master's degree, with experiences within energy systems modelling, regulation, and policy. Fluency in English is a requirement.  

In addition to the above, the following further qualifications will be considered in the assessment:

• Strong background and interest in at least some of the following areas: European energy markets, European energy transition policy, green hydrogen production
• Skills/knowledge within energy policy analysis from an economic perspective
• Excellent communication skills, both in writing and oral presentation
• Open-minded team player, able to work in multidisciplinary and multinational teams
• Experience with scientific writing and project coordination is an advantage
• Knowledge in life cycle assessment is an advantage

Approval and Enrolment
The scholarship for the PhD degree is subject to academic approval, and the candidate will be enrolled in one of the general degree programmes at DTU. For information about our enrolment requirements and the general planning of the PhD study programme, please see the DTU PhD Guide . 

We offer
DTU is a leading technical university globally recognized for the excellence of its research, education, innovation and scientific advice. We offer a rewarding and challenging job in an international environment. We strive for academic excellence in an environment characterized by collegial respect and academic freedom tempered by responsibility.

Salary and appointment terms
The appointment will be based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The allowance will be agreed upon with the relevant union. The period of employment is 3 years.

You can read more about career paths at DTU here .

The workplace can be flexible, but the most obvious would be the DTU Lyngby Campus,  Sustainability Division, DTU Management, DTU, Produktionstorvet 424, 2800 Kgs. Lyngby, Denmark. 

Further information
Further information may be obtained from Head of Section, professor Dogan Keles, [email protected]  and Associate Professor, Alexis Laurent, [email protected] . 

Information about the Energy Systems Analysis Section is available here and about DTU Management at www.man.dtu.dk/english . 

If you are applying from abroad, you may find useful information on working in Denmark and at DTU at DTU – Moving to Denmark .

Application procedure
Your complete online application must be submitted no later than6 August 2021 (Danish time). Applications must be submitted as one PDF file containing all materials to be given consideration. To apply, please open the link "Apply online", fill out the online application form, and attach all your materials in English in one PDF file. The file must include:

• A letter motivating the application (cover letter)
• Curriculum vitae
• Grade transcripts and BSc/MSc diploma
• Excel sheet with translation of grades to the Danish grading system (see guidelines and Excel spreadsheet here )

You may apply prior to ob­tai­ning your master's degree but cannot begin before having received it.

All interested candidates irrespective of age, gender, race, disability, religion or ethnic background are encouraged to apply.

DTU Management conducts excellent research in the intersection between management, technology and economics. We develop solutions in close cooperation with companies and public authorities. Our research aims at strengthening welfare, productivity and sustainability within the society. A key element is the role of technology and its interaction with industry and individuals. The department’s research is divided in four divisions: Innovation, Management Science, Sustainability and Transport. Furthermore, the department hosts a UN Collaborating Centre. The UN DTU Partnership conducts research, policy analysis and advising on a global scale. The department offers a wide range of courses and programs at bachelor, master and PhD level across DTU’s study programs. DTU Management employs about 300 people. We offer an international environment with around 50 different nationalities represented at the department.

Technology for people
DTU develops technology for people. With our international elite research and study programmes, we are helping to create a better world and to solve the global challenges formulated in the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals. Hans Christian Ørsted founded DTU in 1829 with a clear vision to develop and create value using science and engineering to benefit society. That vision lives on today. DTU has 12,900 students and 6,000 employees. We work in an international atmosphere and have an inclusive, evolving, and informal working environment. DTU has campuses in all parts of Denmark and in Greenland, and we collaborate with the best universities around the world.