About the Project
This advert will close once a suitable candidate has been found.
This PhD is one of a number of projects hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF). We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable PhD researchers to explore key technologies and solutions that will support UK industry to reach net zero.
Can we identify the most sustainable path to achieving zero emissions in industrial processes?
This PhD project aims to investigate various industrial facilities transitioning to zero emissions, operating under the hypothesis that while electrification, batteries, and demand management will often be the preferred solutions, CCS and H2 will play critical roles in specific industries and hard-to-abate sectors.
A key consideration will be Scope 3 emissions (indirect emissions), ensuring that emission reductions are achieved throughout the entire supply chain, rather than merely shifting emissions from one area to another. The goal is to develop a comprehensive model to evaluate the impact of different economic, technical, and geopolitical scenarios, identifying the most sustainable (both economically and environmentally) strategies for achieving net-zero CO2 emissions by 2050 and beyond. This model will account for anticipated advancements in technology, policy changes, and economic shifts—such as an increase in recycled battery content, breakthroughs in CCS technology, or fluctuations in raw material prices.
Several industry case studies, with projections for the present, 2050, and 2080, will inform the model, in areas such as education, materials production, recycling and food processing.
The model will serve as a decision-making tool, guiding future investments for sustainable emissions reductions across these industries.
Lead supervisor: Dr Jenny Baker
CDT in Green Industrial Futures: The CDT is funded by the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council and is a partnership between Heriot Watt University, Imperial College London, and the Universities of Sheffield and Bath. The CDT is further supported by contributions from industrial partners. Bringing these leading universities together allows CDT-GIF students access to a wide range of academic expertise, resources and facilities.
The CDT-GIF has an exciting and challenging programme specifically designed for top performing junior researchers. Alongside the four-year research project, students will receive expert training and opportunities to contextualise their research within the wider net zero landscape, including:
Residential taught courses at each of the partner universities in Years 1 and 2 that provide training in the systematic considerations for industry including: Life Cycle Analysis (LCA), technoeconomics, business models, policy & regulation, public engagement, plant operation.
An international opportunity in Year 2 or 3 of the programme, including opportunities to visit a world-leading facility, conference or forum and explore the global context of industrial decarbonisation.
A work placement with one of our industrial partners.
A bespoke ‘net-zero leadership programme’, including regular exchanges with cohort members from the other universities, student-led activities, industry challenge sandpit, industrial site visits, and professional development opportunities.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. We warmly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives. Our programme values diversity as a cornerstone of innovation and collaboration, and we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels respected, supported, and empowered to thrive. The CDT-GIF are committed to ensuring flexibility throughout our programme to support student’s needs and personal circumstances, for example those with medical conditions, caring responsibilities and other considerations. For example, we are open to exploring part-time options if appropriate for the nature of the research.