PhD Studentship: Building Energy Commons: Law, Governance, and Community Power in African Renewable Energy Transitions

Project Overview

 This is an opportunity for a person from an underrepresented group to undertake a fully funded masters degree followed by a fully funded interdisciplinary PhD research degree under the ‘Sustainable Transitions – Leverhulme Doctoral Training Programme’ at the University of Essex.  

Only UK domiciled applicants who meet the following criteria may apply: 

•  Not already have a Master’s degree.

And

• Be from a low-income household background as evidenced by, for example, being in receipt of a full maintenance loan or Special Support loan during their undergraduate studies.  

And/or  

Be one of the following categories of ethnicity:  

• Black African  
• Black Caribbean 
• Black Other  
• Mixed – White and Black Caribbean  
• Mixed – White and Black African  
• Other mixed background (including Black African, Black Caribbean and Black Other)  

The successful applicant would study an appropriate masters degree, such as: 

1. MSc Management (Social Economy)
2. MSc Corporate Sustainability

While RECs are internationally recognised as decentralised, community-driven clean energy models, their implementation in African contexts remains uneven and under-researched. The project investigates the institutional, social, and environmental conditions that enable effective local energy governance, with particular attention to how international, regional, and national environmental rights can guide equitable and participatory REC development. This will strengthen inclusive, resilient, and rights-based community energy futures in Africa and globally. 

Interdisciplinary Focus and Methods

This project integrates sustainable energy governance, cooperative management, and environmental law to examine how renewable energy communities can be developed and scaled across East and West Africa. The research will focus on organisational democracy, community ownership models, and participatory energy decision-making, supported by legal analysis of environmental rights frameworks. Methods include case studies, qualitative interviews, stakeholder workshops, and policy and regulatory analysis to link organisational practice with rights-based governance.

Training and Support

You will be supported through the Sustainable Transitions training programme which provides initial training in interdisciplinary research methods, training in the secondary discipline within the project area and ongoing training throughout the duration of the programme. All doctoral scholars benefit from the support of Proficio which entitles you to £2,500 that can be used to purchase training courses either within or external to the University. Additionally Sustainable Transitions scholars are entitled to £10,000 that can be used to cover research costs and further training. Scholars are encouraged to audit masters and degree level course where appropriate. You will also have the support of the Sustainable Transitions management team, as well as your own supervisory team.  All Sustainable Transitions scholars will become part of the University of Essex ‘Centre for Environment and Society’ through which ongoing events and networking opportunities are available.  

Person Specification

This opportunity would suit a candidate with a background in management, sustainability or, development studies, with an interest in community-led energy transitions in Africa. It is not necessary for the candidate to have prior training in law , as this will be provided during the programme. 

Research Proposal

The project area is broadly defined, leaving scope for the applicant to develop their own specific research proposal as part of the application. The successful candidate will further develop their proposal in close consultation with the supervisory team.   

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