PhD Studentship in Renewable Energy: Grid-Forming Wind Turbine Control for Power System Stability (Funded) University of Exeter in United Kingdom

[UK and International tuition fees covered and an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 per year.]

This funded PhD studentship at the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus (Cornwall) offers a unique opportunity to conduct research at the intersection of wind energy, power systems, and advanced control. The project addresses critical engineering questions about how future electricity networks can remain stable and resilient as renewable generation increases. Grid-forming (GFM) control is emerging as a key technology for low-inertia power systems, and wind energy, as a major source of clean electricity, plays a pivotal role in this transition.

The integration of grid-forming wind turbines into power systems raises interconnected questions, from the interaction of individual turbines with the wider network to the contribution of large-scale wind generation to system-level services such as frequency regulation, voltage support, and fault recovery. Understanding and enabling these contributions is essential for ensuring secure operation of power systems under both normal and fault/disturbance conditions.

In this project, you will investigate how GFM control can be applied to wind turbine systems to support the stability and resilience of power grids. The research direction will be developed in collaboration with the successful candidate, tailored to their interests and skills, and aligned with emerging priorities in the field. Whether you prefer system-level analysis, control design, simulation-based investigation, or a combination, the project can be adapted accordingly.

The successful candidate will join the Renewable Energy research group at the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus, working within a vibrant interdisciplinary team. The group is known for its expertise in renewable energy systems and power engineering, providing a supportive environment for research and professional development.

Funding covers UK and International tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805. Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a first-class or upper second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in electrical engineering, renewable energy, control engineering, or a closely related discipline. Experience with modelling or simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, PSCAD, PowerFactory, or Python is desirable. The application deadline is 19 June 2026.

For more information and to apply, visit the University of Exeter funding portal. Prepare your CV, academic transcripts, and a cover letter outlining your research interests. Submit your application online before the deadline. This studentship is open to both UK and international candidates.