PhD Studentship - Strategic Planning for the Integration of AI Data Centres into Energy Networks

Award Summary

100% fees covered, and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate). Additional project costs will also be provided. 

Overview

Data centres are among the most energy‐intensive infrastructures in modern economies, with their demand projected to rise sharply as digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing expand. This growth presents both challenges and opportunities for achieving net‐zero carbon targets. While AI data centres are often perceived as passive electricity consumers, they could act as active participants in integrated energy systems by providing flexibility, utilising waste heat, and supporting local renewable production. However, there is currently no holistic framework for planning their integration into future energy networks. This project aims to develop a strategic planning framework that supports the efficient, low‐carbon, and resilient integration of AI data centres into evolving energy systems. The overarching research aim is to understand and optimise the interactions between data centres and multi‐vector energy networks.  

Number Of Awards

1

Start Date

1st October 2026

Award Duration

4 Years

Sponsor

EPSRC  

Supervisors

Dr Shahab Dehghan  

Prof Vladimir Terzija  

Eligibility Criteria

We are adopting a contextual admissions process. This means we will consider other key competencies and experience alongside your academic qualifications. An example can be found here. 

Applicants should hold at minimum a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a discipline relevant to the proposed PhD project, such as Power and Energy, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Operations Research. While this is our standard entry requirement, we also place strong value on prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to think and work independently. A master’s degree is not required if you hold a 2:1 or can demonstrate equivalent experience through work or research-based projects. 

Essential requirements: 

• Excellent analytical skills 
• Strong verbal and written communication skills 

Desirable: 

• Strong proficiency in optimising and modelling power and energy systems 
• Programming skills in Python and Julia 

Applicants whose first language is not English require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in all sub-skills. International applicants may require an ATAS (Academic Technology Approval Scheme) clearance certificate prior to obtaining their visa and to study on this programme. 

How To Apply

Please read and complete this document as your Personal statement, and upload this with your application. Applications which do not include this document will not be considered. Further details can be found here. 

You must apply through the University’s Apply to Newcastle Portal via the ‘Apply’ button above.

Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’. 

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study: 

• search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8060F 
• select Electrical and Electronic Engineering (full time)' as the programme of study 

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section: 

• a ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) – Use this template. 
• the studentship code DLA2618 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field. 
• when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal - select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.    

You must submit one application per studentship; you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application. 

Contact Details

You can also contact: shahab.dehghan@newcastle.ac.uk  

doctoral.awards@ncl.ac.uk for independent advice on your application. 

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