PhD position on integrated energy system and climate scenarios for offshore wind

Energy systems/markets and climate in the North Sea are coupled in various ways. On the one hand, the economic considerations determine optimized spatial distribution of installed wind capacity. On the other hand, expansion of wind farms in the North Sea will alter the wind climate, because of extraction of momentum from the air and increased turbulence by the turning blades. Moreover, with the increase of renewable energy, coupling between weather and electricity prices increases. Up to now, there has been little research on such interactions effects for the North Sea offshore zone. The aim of this interdisciplinary PhD is to develop an ensemble of coupled climate–market scenarios that represent the joint dependence of wind conditions on wind-farm development, as well as the impact of spatially variable weather conditions (in various scenarios) on energy market price signals. To this end, we plan a coupling between a generation expansion model and a regional climate model including future wind farm expansion and associated cluster-scale wake losses. Additionally, we aim to quantify uncertainty in electricity generation and associated revenues. Activities are divided into three tasks. Task 1.1 entails the development and deployment of a basic generation expansion planning model, using in-house regional climate model data. Following this, Task 1.2 involves the coupling between the electricity system model and the climate model to generate consistent coupled climate–market scenarios. Finally, Task 1.3 focuses on quantifying uncertainties in electricity generation and revenues. Overall, it is expected that this PhD project advances the understanding of the relationship between climate conditions and energy markets, in the context of offshore wind energy development.

• To have a Master degree at the start of the project (1 Jan 2025) in Engineering, Earth - or Environmental Science, Climatology or related field (physics, bioscience engineering, geography, meteorology, oceanography, mathematics, informatics, economy etc.);
• To have experience in computational programming;
• To have demonstrated verbal and written communication skills in English;
• To have a collaborative mindset: Enjoys working with others to achieve common objectives.

• PhD Position;
• Starting date preferably 1 January 2025;
• Full time position for 48 months;
• Location: Department of Mechanical Engineering and Department Earth and Environmental Sciences, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium ;
• Net monthly salary of about 2400 €, depending on personal situation. This includes social insurance. Transportation to and from the workplace is covered;
• Contribution to educational activities is expected for about 10% of your time.