EPSRC Centre for Doctoral Training in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience

Background:

Having reached my late 40s and called an end to a lengthy career in international financial markets, I wanted to find a new challenge. My interest in climate change grew by reading articles on the transition to Net Zero.

In 2021, I decided to study part-time for an MSc in Renewable Energy Systems Technology at Loughborough University as a distance learner. An undergraduate degree in Chemical Engineering and years spent solving financial mathematical problems in addition to my sector knowledge from my self-study meant that I found the two-year course both fulfilling and enjoyable.

Research Interests:

As an individual who loves the challenge of engineering-type problem, I am intrigued by how intermittent renewable energy will be harnessed to meet the variations in energy demands. For my MSc research project, I modelled a scenario for a GB Net Zero grid and used historical data to identify the storage sizing requirements to keep it balanced. My PhD research will be a continuation of this but will apply great granularity to each of the different variables and investigate more permutations on aspects of generation, demand and storage. The aim is to produce an analysis of scenarios that can help deliver the transition and those that should be avoided.

Why you applied for the Aura CDT:

I wanted to find a university which was deeply involved in renewable energy. The CDT structure offers me the opportunity to build skills and knowledge prior to starting my research and being part of a larger group of researchers would provide support in the years ahead. I enjoyed meeting my supervisors at the interview and my interactions with the Aura staff were excellent during that initial period, so it was an easy choice to join Aura CDT.

My PhD Research:

Economic and environmental assessment of energy systems integration for increased utilisation and reduced curtailment of offshore wind farms

Get in touch:

Via Email