Beyond Recycling: Circular Strategies for Offshore Renewable Decommissioning (PhD Studentship)

This funded PhD studentship, hosted by the University of Liverpool's Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, offers an exciting opportunity to address the challenges of decommissioning offshore renewable energy infrastructure. As part of the Net Zero Maritime Energy Solutions Centre (N0MES) for Doctoral Training, you will join a vibrant cohort of researchers working on real-world industrial problems in partnership with Frazer Nash Consultancy and nearly 40 maritime energy sector partners. The project focuses on developing circular strategies for the end-of-life management of offshore wind farms and other renewable installations. With the rapid expansion of offshore renewables to meet Net Zero targets, the question of what happens when these structures reach the end of their operational life is increasingly urgent. Current regulations require complete removal, but this research will critically examine whether alternative approaches—such as partial removal, material reuse, and system redesign—could offer safer, more cost-effective, and environmentally sustainable solutions. Key research themes include comparing full versus partial removal strategies, assessing the readiness of current technologies for large-scale decommissioning, and applying circular economy principles to asset management. The project will also draw lessons from other industries, such as rail, aerospace, and oil and gas, to identify transferable ideas for offshore wind. Regulatory evolution, including the potential for seabed reuse, will be explored to inform future policy and best practices. As a N0MES researcher, you will benefit from regular inclusive events, student-led seminars, and annual multidisciplinary bootcamps designed to foster creativity and professional development. The centre aims to equip postgraduate researchers with core engineering and interdisciplinary expertise, preparing you for a successful career in the rapidly evolving net zero energy sector. Funding for this studentship is co-provided by UKRI and Frazer Nash Consultancy. It covers full tuition fees (£5,006 pa for 2025-26), a maintenance grant at UKRI standard rates (£20,780 pa for 2025-26), and additional support through a Research Training Support Grant for consumables and conference attendance. UKRI studentships are open to both home and international applicants, with limited scholarships available to cover the fee difference for outstanding international students. Applicants should have a strong academic background in engineering, environmental science, geography, or a related discipline, and a keen interest in sustainability and the circular economy. The University of Liverpool is committed to diversity and inclusion, offering reasonable project adaptations for students with disabilities or caring responsibilities. If you have a disability, you may be eligible for a Disabled Students Allowance in addition to your studentship. To apply, complete the University of Liverpool's online postgraduate research application form for a PhD in Engineering, ensuring you include the project title and reference number N0MES001. For further details, visit the N0MES CDT website and the official FindAPhD project page.