Marine Renewable Energy Systems PhD at Lancaster University 2025-2026

Marine energy, including wave, tidal, floating wind, and offshore solar, is expected to play a significant role in achieving the UK’s net zero targets. However, these energy sources are highly variable and uncertain compared to more traditional generation sources, posing a significant challenge for grid integration. This PhD project aims to design an innovative, high-performance power train system and associated AI-based control strategies to facilitate power grid integration of marine renewable energy systems. To bring focus, this research will be orientated around a novel WEC concept device, namely the TALOS device that has been developed and tank tested at Lancaster University. The primary objectives of the project are to:

• Develop technical requirements and specifications for the system.
• Investigate the suitability of various machine technologies for power conversion and identify appropriate energy storage solutions to enhance grid integration.
• Design and analyse advanced control and energy management strategies to ensure optimal system performance.
• Develop and implement an experimental test facility to validate the proposed marine renewable energy system.

Table of Content

• Summary
• Benefits
• Requirements
• Interview Process
• Application Documents
• Application Deadline
• How To Apply

Summary

• Application DeadlineAugust 15, 2025
• Study LevelPhD
• SponsorLancaster University
• City to studyLeicester
• School to studyLancaster University
• Course to studyEngineering
• Eligible CountryAll Countries

Benefits

The funding covers the cost of the tuition fee for UK students and a standard tax-free RCUK stipend (£20,780 per annum for the 25/26 academic year) for 3.5 years for UK applicants. Non-UK candidates are welcome to apply, a specific arrangement will be discussed.

Requirements

• Candidates should have a relevant degree at 2.1 minimum or an equivalent overseas degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering or closely related disciplines.
• A good background in electrical machines, power electronics and/or power systems is desirable.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills with the ability to prepare presentations, reports, and journal papers to the highest levels of quality.
• Excellent interpersonal skills to work effectively in a team consisting of PhD students and postdoctoral researchers.
• Overseas applicants may be asked to provide a recognised English language qualification, depending upon their nationality and the institutions they have studied previously, with an IELTS result of minimum 6.5 and a minimum of 6.0 in each element of the test.

Selection Process

The successful candidate could start in October 2025 or January 2026.

Application Documents

• CV
• personal statement
• covering letter addressing their background and suitability for this project

Check also:
Wits-Edinburgh Programme in Sustainable African Futures by Mastercard Foundation 2026-2027
Department of Aeronautics MSc Scholarship at Imperial College London 2026

Application Deadline

How To Apply

For informal enquiries, please contact Dr Nan Zhao ([email protected]). Candidates interested in applying should send a copy of their CV together with a personal statement/covering letter addressing their background and suitability for this project to Dr Nan Zhao by the closing date: 15 August 2025

For more details, visit Lancaster University Scholarship webpage