Fully Funded PhD in Agrivoltaics, Renewable Energy, and Business Models at University of Exeter University of Exeter in United Kingdom

This fully funded PhD opportunity at the University of Exeter focuses on advancing agrivoltaics (APV) for sustainable, clean energy and food security in the UK. The research is interdisciplinary, combining renewable energy, business strategy, sustainability, agriculture, and environmental economics. The project is in collaboration with the University of Exeter Business School and supervised by Dr Aritra Ghosh, Allen Alexander, and Steffen Boehm.

The UK is facing the challenge of decarbonising its energy systems while maintaining food production and rural livelihoods. With ambitious solar energy targets, there is a need to balance land use between solar photovoltaics and agriculture. Agrivoltaics offers a solution by deploying solar panels on farmland, enabling simultaneous clean energy generation and food production, supporting rural economies, and protecting biodiversity.

Key research areas include techno-economic modelling of APV systems to optimize land productivity and renewable energy generation, development of business models and financial frameworks for APV adoption, assessment of economic viability as a dual-income solution for landowners, and analysis of socio-economic and policy acceptance to engage stakeholders such as farmers, rural communities, and policymakers.

The project aims to bridge the gap between energy transition and rural economic resilience, creating solutions that benefit both clean energy goals and local communities. Candidates with backgrounds in renewable energy, business strategy, sustainability, agriculture, or environmental economics are encouraged to apply. The position is ideal for those interested in interdisciplinary research across engineering, economics, and policy, and who are passionate about solving real-world challenges in energy and food security.

Funding is fully provided, covering tuition and living expenses. The application deadline is December 28, 2025. For more information and to apply, visit the University of Exeter's official portal or contact the supervisors via LinkedIn.