This studentship is under offer.
Join an exciting PhD project with Statkraft in data analysis and electrical engineering to develop data‑driven insights into how grid‑connected assets behave during faults, improving system visibility, resilience, and stability services. An outstanding opportunity to work with live plant data, use PSCAD and DIgSILENT models, and compare grid‑forming Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS), synchronous compensators, and wind assets across Great Britain and other Statkraft regions.
- Institution: Strathclyde University
- Primary supervisor: Professor James Carroll
- In partnership with Statkraft
- Subject requirements: First-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Data Analytics or other relevant areas
- Duration of award: 4 years (full-time) up to 8 years (part-time)
- October 2026 start
Project summary
Statkraft is a leading provider of Stability Services GB with contracts with NESO, the National Energy System Operator to provide inertia, system strength, short circuit current and voltage control/MVAr under Pathfinder and related contracts. As the penetration of IBRs (inverter-based resources) e.g. Wind, Solar, BESS and Interconnectors increases on the grid, and displaces fossil and nuclear power with synchronous generators, the management of the GB grid for stability becomes more challenging.
Statkraft’s Greener Grid Parks are delivering Stability Services to replace these displaced generators. Statkraft is unique in developing, owning and operating both BESS with Grid Forming Inverters and Synchronous Compensators to deliver these services as well as Wind and Hydro generation in Great Britain.
We are looking for a PhD candidate who can help us collect and analyse data from our operational plants (including wind power plants) and compare their performance in fault conditions to understand our technology options and offerings.
We also seek to ensure that Great Britain is robust against the risk of blackouts by having good visibility of how the system and its parts respond to faults, events and trips (unlike the recent Iberian experience). For example, Statkraft is the proposer of Grid Code Modification GC0181. There will also be potential to join up data in other Countries where Statkraft operates, including Norway and Ireland. Key skills will be power systems analysis using EMT models (PSCAD) and RMS (DIgSILENT), data collection, management, manipulation and processing.
Collaboration
Statkraft, the industry partner for this PhD, will be closely involved in the project, provide an industry supervisor, and host time at their sites.
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.
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, cover letter and transcripts to both of the following emails (subject line: EnerHy studentship):
j.carroll@strath.ac.uk
drew.smith@strath.ac.uk
Copy this information to enter once you have registered to make your application.
Project code: SU-EnerHy 2026-27/003
Full-time: WSRP25 CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero PhD
Part-time: WSRP56 CDT Engineering Hydrogen Net Zero PhD