Geological and geotechnical risk assessment of offshore wind farms University of Surrey in United Kingdom

New offshore wind farms are being constructed in new areas such as the United States, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, and India, where different types of risks are encountered. These risks include geological and geotechnical ones (such as highly crushable carbonate soils, green sands, seismically liquefiable soils, etc) and extreme loadings such as typhoons, hurricanes and earthquakes. Furthermore, there are technology risks due to larger turbines (size exceeding 15MW) and floating technologies (Semi-submersible, Spar and Tension Leg Platforms). The aim of the project is to quantify some of the risks through a mix of methodologies such as experimental and numerical modelling and case studies. The work primarily involves engineering and also enables the candidate to understand finance related to the quantification of risks used in the insurance industry.

The SAGE lab houses advanced geotechnical element testing equipment, which will give the student an opportunity to acquire unique experimental skills. The Geomechanics group at Surrey, led by Professor Bhattacharya, works closely with industry, and the candidate will work closely with the industrial partners. In particular, the research work will be supported by the University of Surrey Spin-off Renew Risk ( www.Renew-Risk.com ), a fintech company headquartered in Lloyds of London which developed Catastrophe Modelling for Offshore wind farms needed for insurance/reinsurance pricing. The candidate will also have an assured placement at Renew Risk.

Apart from academic training, the candidate will gain industrial experience through the association with industrial partners. After the successful completion of PhD, the skills developed will allow them to have coveted research or industry careers or join as a Risk Engineer/Cat Modeller in the Insurance/Finance sector.

Supervisors: Dr Sanchari Mondal , Dr Liang Cui and Professor Suby Bhattacharya .

Funding

Tuition fees will be paid, and the successful candidate will receive a tax-free stipend set at the UKRI rate (£20,780 per annum for 2025/26 academic year). Funding is available for 3.5 years.

Open to any UK or international candidates. Up to 30% of our UKRI funded studentships can be awarded to candidates paying international rate fees. Find out more about eligibility .

Start Date

October 2025

Entry requirements

You will need to meet the minimum entry requirements for our PhD programme .

Candidate Profile

A background in Civil Engineering, Engineering Geology, Geotechnical Engineering or Offshore Geotechnics or data science is desirable.

How to Apply

Applications should be submitted via the Civil and Environmental Engineering PhD programme page. In place of a research proposal you should upload a document stating the title of the project that you wish to apply for and the name of the relevant supervisor.