PhD Studentship: Safeguarding Power Grid Stability in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centres

University of Warwick – Collaborative EPSRC Doctoral Landscape Award.

Qualification: Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering (PhD)

Eligibility: UK Students

Award value: Tuition fees and tax-free stipend - See advert for details

Deadline: 13 April 2026

Supervisors: Dr Subhash Lakshminarayana (Lead) and Dr Michael Faulkner

Safeguarding Power Grid Stability in the Age of Artificial Intelligence (AI) Data Centres

Research area and project description:

Artificial intelligence (AI)-based technologies are being adopted across various sectors at an unprecedented scale. However, the computing resources required to run these algorithms, i.e., the AI data centers, are extremely power hungry, thus significantly increasing the burden on the electrical grid. More importantly, the unique AI data centres load patterns (such as demand spikes) can threaten the power grid stability. The PhD project will identify and develop solutions to mitigate power grid instability caused by AI data center loads, ensuring resilient grid operation.

This is an exciting PhD project with industrial collaborators at the intersection of power systems, artificial intelligence, and mathematical modelling. The project is well-suited to students with backgrounds in engineering, applied mathematics, physics, computer science, or data science, and can be tailored to your interests, whether you prefer theory, modelling, or applied research.

You will analyse real-world AI data center load patterns to identify their distinctive characteristics and assess their impact on power grid dynamic models. Based on this analysis, you will determine conditions that could pose risks to network stability. To address these challenges, you will develop agile network solutions, including intelligent substations and the application of AI-based techniques to enhance real-time situational awareness and enable timely mitigation actions.

 What you will gain:

• Strong programming and software skills in AI and scientific computing
• Mathematical Modelling and Analysis of real-world engineering systems
• Experience working with high-fidelity simulation and real engineering data
• Opportunities to publish in leading journals and present at top international conferences
• Excellent career prospects in academia, research labs, energy, and AI-driven industries

Scholarship:

The award will cover the UK tuition fee level, plus a tax-free stipend, currently £21,805, paid at the prevailing UKRI rate for 3.5 years of full-time study. The award also includes a £5,000 research training support grant.

Eligibility:

Home students are eligible to apply. A degree (2:1 or above) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Computer Science, Applied Mathematics, or Scientific Computing. Applicants from other related disciplines are also encouraged to apply, particularly if they have a strong interest in AI and ML.

How to apply:

Candidates should submit an expression of interest by sending a CV and supporting statement outlining their skills and interests in this research area by clicking the 'Apply' button above. If this initial application is successful, we will invite you to submit a formal application.

Candidates must fulfil the University of Warwick entry criteria and obtain an unconditional offer before commencing enrolment.

Should your application for admission be accepted, you should be aware that notification of acceptance for the PhD does not constitute an offer of financial support. Successful scholarship candidates will receive an official communication to confirm their award.

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