Seasonal Energy Storage
Loughborough UniversityLoughborough, United Kingdom
Course overview
Reaching net zero means decarbonising our energy system by shifting towards renewable generation. But this means we will face higher demand in winter, which needs to be met using energy storage, energy transport, massive overprovision, or through alternative generation. There is also the risk of adverse weather patterns that would depress renewable generation for weeks, such as anticyclonic gloom or dunkelflaute.
This project will look at the role that energy storage can play to meet this gap, because storage provides both seasonal balancing and improved energy security. Potential options include large-scale deployment of batteries, thermal storage, embedded energy, demand shift, or hydrogen-based storage. Electric vehicles could also play a part if they are used as a coordinated storage system.
The project will model, simulate, and assess different technologies for their technological and financial feasibility, using both technical and techno-economic analysis. Key considerations are efficiency, operating cost, capital expenses, and practical feasibility at scale. Working on different energy storage technologies is an exciting opportunity based on our track record in electrification research.
You will be part of a team of researchers alongside experienced supervisors: Dr Thomas Steffen (Reader at Loughborough, expert in the control of energy systems, joined in 2007) and Dr Ashley Fly (Senior Lecturer, with a focus on battery research, joined in 2015). Loughborough University has an applied research culture. In REF 2021, 94% of the work submitted was judged to be top-rated as "world-leading" or "internationally excellent".
We are a community based on mutual support and collaboration. Through our Doctoral College, there are continual opportunities for building important research skills and networks among your peers and research academics. 94% of Loughborough’s research impact is rated world-leading or internationally excellent.
REF 2021
Key highlights
- Research energy storage for seasonal balancing and energy security in net zero
- Model and simulate batteries, thermal, hydrogen and demand-shift storage options
- Apply technical and techno-economic analysis to assess feasibility at scale
- Explore electric vehicles as a coordinated large-scale storage system
- Supervised by experts in energy system control and battery research
- Doctoral College offers ongoing research skills training and peer networking
Entry requirements
- IELTS: 6.5 — 6.5 The standard University IELTS English language requirement is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking).
Scholarships
Alumni Bursary
10% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 10% of feesAlumni Discount
UK students: £1,500 tuition fee discount for one academic year. International students: £3,000 tuition fee discount for one academic year.
Care Leaver's Scholarship
Excellence Scholarships
UK students: £3,000 off tuition fees; International students: £6,000 off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary
Our International Sports Student Postgraduate Bursary offers a £12,000 tuition fee discount (set against the tuition fees of your chosen postgraduate taught programme ONLY).
Up to £12,000London 10th Anniversary Award
£5,000 off tuition fees.
Up to £5,000Loughborough Business School Scholarship
£1,500 (UK students) and £3,000 (international students) off tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
MBA Progress with Purpose Scholarship
50% of tuition fees which will be credited to the student’s tuition fee account.
Up to 50% of feesQatari Ghanim Al-Muftah Excellence Scholarship
Careers this course leads to
- Energy Storage Research Scientist
- Energy Systems Engineer
- Postdoctoral Research Associate
- Techno-Economic Analyst
- Renewable Energy Consultant
- Battery Systems Engineer
Cost of study
UK/Home: £5,006 | International: £28,600
Admission
Applications are made through AHZ at no cost. Share your transcripts, English test scores and personal statement, and your AHZ Counsellor will review your profile, submit your application to Loughborough University, and guide you through interview, offer, CAS and visa — right up to enrolment.
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