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

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

Institution: Newcastle University

Funding: 100% fees covered and a minimum tax-free annual living allowance of £20,780 (2025/26 UKRI rate), with additional project costs provided. Sponsored by EPSRC.

Project Overview: Data centres are rapidly becoming some of the most energy-intensive infrastructures in modern economies, with their demand expected to rise significantly due to the expansion of digitalisation, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud computing. This growth presents both challenges and opportunities for achieving net-zero carbon targets. While AI data centres are often seen as passive electricity consumers, they have the potential to become active participants in integrated energy systems by providing flexibility, utilising waste heat, and supporting local renewable energy production. However, there is currently no comprehensive framework for planning their integration into future energy networks.

This PhD project aims to develop a strategic planning framework to support the efficient, low-carbon, and resilient integration of AI data centres into evolving energy systems. The research will focus on understanding and optimising the interactions between data centres and multi-vector energy networks, contributing to the development of sustainable and flexible energy infrastructures.

Supervisors: Dr Shahab Dehghan and Prof Vladimir Terzija

Eligibility: Applicants should have at least a 2:1 Honours degree (or international equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as Power and Energy, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or Operations Research. Prior experience, enthusiasm for research, and the ability to work independently are highly valued. A master’s degree is not required if you hold a 2:1 or can demonstrate equivalent experience. Essential skills include excellent analytical abilities and strong communication skills. Desirable skills include proficiency in optimising and modelling power and energy systems, and programming in Python and Julia. Non-native English speakers require an IELTS score of 6.5 overall (minimum 5.5 in all sub-skills). International applicants may need an ATAS certificate.

Start Date: 1st October 2026
Duration: 4 years
Number of Awards: 1

How to Apply: Apply through the Newcastle University Apply Portal. Complete and upload the required personal statement template. Select 'Electrical and Electronic Engineering (full time)' as your programme and enter studentship code DLA2618. No research proposal upload is needed; type the project title instead. For further details, visit the funding page.

For queries, contact Dr Shahab Dehghan at [email protected] or [email protected].