Strategic optimization of energy vector viability: a multi-criteria framework for regional deployment across time horizons

Join an exciting PhD project sponsored by Caterpillar where you will explore how to guide the evolving energy landscape in heavy-duty industries using advanced decision tools.

Project summary

Sectors such as construction, mining, energy production, and heavy-duty transport are among the most energy-intensive and technologically demanding industrial domains, operating under high-load conditions and often in remote or harsh environments. These characteristics make the transition from conventional internal combustion powertrains to lower emission alternatives particularly complex.

This PhD project, sponsored by Caterpillar, aims to address these challenges by developing a robust decision-making framework for evaluating the viability of alternative energy vectors, such as hydrogen, e-fuels, advanced electrification, and hybrid systems, across different regions and planning timeframes.

The framework will assess the feasibility of these energy carriers within operational, economic, and infrastructural contexts, integrating factors such as resource availability, infrastructure readiness, technological scalability, economic and geopolitical stability, regulatory landscapes, and a sustainable world. By leveraging multi-criteria decision analysis, prescriptive analytics, and simulation techniques, the project will deliver a strategic approach to optimising energy vector deployment. It will also explicitly examine how alternative energy pathways contribute to national development and just-transition objectives, including Sustainable Development Goals 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and 13 (Climate Action), and how trade-offs, such as competition for renewable resources, land use, and investment priorities, can be managed under uncertain policy and market futures.

The successful applicant will be based in the School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering (AACME) at Loughborough University. The project supervisory team involves academics across two Schools, AACME and Geography, and given its cross-disciplinary nature the student should expect to engage with academics within other discipline areas (for example Loughborough Business School). Being a project sponsored by Caterpillar, you may expect to spend time at Caterpillar facilities, as driven by the project needs.

You will also receive specialist training through the Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero CDT which offers a unique blend of cutting-edge research, cohort-based collaboration, and industry exposure – equipping you to become a future leader.

PhD structure:

The project will progress through three key stages:

• Framework Development – Review literature and define the key factors influencing energy vector selection.
• Model Design – Build a decision-support tool to evaluate energy options using technical, economic, environmental, and policy criteria.
• Validation and Application – Test the model through case studies and scenarios to generate practical insights.

Expected outputs:

• A validated decision-making framework and optimisation model for evaluating alternative energy vectors.
• Case study analysis demonstrating real world application
• A supporting dataset and performance metrics
• Academic publications & industry and policy guidance documents

Primary supervisor Lisa Jackson is happy to discuss this opportunity via email l.m.jackson@lboro.ac.uk

Fees and funding

The studentship is for 4 years full-time, is fully funded with tuition fees at the UK rate covered and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum. Additionally, £3,000 per annum is provided for consumables, travel, etc. Due to UKRI funding rules, this studentship is only available to those eligible for UK fees.

Ready to apply?

If you are a British or Irish national interested in applying, please send your CV to both of the following emails (subject line: EnerHy studentship):
S.Kondrat@lboro.ac.uk
enerhy.cdt@mailbox.lboro.ac.uk

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Project code: LU-EnerHy 2025-26/12
Full-time: WSRP25 CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero PhD
Part-time: WSRP56 CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero PhD