PhD Studentship: Modelling, Simulation and Optimisation of Integrated Energy Systems

Number of Positions: 1 

School/Faculty: Electronic & Electrical Engineering 

Closing Date: 27 February 2026 

Eligibility: UK and International

Funding: School of Electronic & Electrical Scholarship, providing the award of full academic fees, together with a tax-free maintenance grant at the standard UKRI rate (currently £20,780 for academic session 2025/26) per year for 3.5 years. 

Lead Supervisor’s full name & email address 

Dr Tong Zhang: T.Zhang1@leeds.ac.uk 

Project summary 

A fully funded PhD opportunity is now open to students worldwide who aim to advance the research in integrated energy systems. With the global goal of achieving net zero emissions, energy systems are transforming with a rising share of renewable energy generation and the spreading deployment of low-carbon energy technologies across various vectors. These advancements, such as the deployment of geothermal sites and heat pumps, offer potential flexibility resources but also pose potential stresses on power systems. The effective scale-up of sustainable energy technologies requires coordinated development with the evolving energy system to unlock their full potential and establish economically viable development pathways. This PhD position aims to conduct holistic modelling and analysis of integrated energy systems to reach optimal system performance while incorporating various sustainable energy infrastructures.

Potential research topics include:

1. Modelling, simulation, and optimisation of integrated energy systems and energy hubs combining multiple vectors, such as electricity, heating, cooling, gas, hydrogen, and transportation. 
2. Design and operation of local integrated heat and electricity networks considering the coordinated roll-out of heat pumps and low-carbon building clusters; modelling, control, and optimisation of building energy systems.
3. Energy management and decarbonisation of regional energy systems via electrification and sectoral coupling (particularly in hard-to-abate sectors, i.e. heating and industry).
4. System integration and optimal use of renewable energy generation and other energy technologies as flexibility assets in the power system. 
5. AI applications for integrated energy system modelling and analysis. 

Please state your entry requirements plus any necessary or desired background

A first class or an upper second class British Bachelors Honours degree (or equivalent) in an appropriate discipline. 

Essential Skills:

1. Research-driven and self-motivated, with a strong passion for energy system related studies.
2. Proficiency in English with strong communication and scientific writing skills.
3. Competency in computer programming (e.g., Python, MATLAB).
4. Energy system modelling expertise with experience in academic research 

Preferred Skills:

1. Educational background in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Renewable Energy Engineering, Operations Research, or other relevant disciplines.
2. Demonstrated capability for academic writing and a record of peer-reviewed publications.
3. Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
4. Excellent problem-solving and analytical skills for complex energy challenges. 

Subject Area

Electronic & Electrical Engineering, Energy

Keywords

Electronic engineering, electrical engineering, Energy Demand, Energy Systems, Power Systems, Renewable Energy

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