Techno-economic Energy System Modelling

Techno-economic Energy System and Emissions Modelling for Tasmania and Australian Energy Systems

Degree type

PhD

Closing date

25 September 2023

Campus

Hobart

Citizenship requirement

Domestic / International

About the research project

This PhD project will develop appropriate techno-economic models for the Tasmanian energy system, including its interaction with the NEM, in order to analyse a wide range of likely future scenarios and their implications. Other prominent research groups around Australia and internationally have, in recent years, developed models designed for projecting outcomes under different policy or pricing scenarios or for demonstrating technology mix required to achieve different levels, generally up to 100%, of renewable energy generation in the system. Most or all of these are based on energy-balance modelling on hourly time-intervals with demand projections based on current trajectories. The proposed project introduces several areas of novelty and originality, including the consideration of generation and storage technology characteristics and their role in meeting short-term power system requirements as constraints in addition to their role in balancing energy supply /  demand, and inclusion of key aspects of energy market modelling, and will consider future scenarios which make provision for a significant transition to or increase in flexible loads such as electrified transport, hydrogen synthesis for large-scale domestic or export markets, and for direct export of energy via intra-regional transmission interconnects.

This project will be based in the School of Engineering, with co-supervision in the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics.

Primary Supervisor

Meet A/Prof Evan Franklin

Funding

Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:

  • a living allowance stipend of $31,500 per annum (2023 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
  • a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
  • a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)

If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.

As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.

Other funding opportunities and fees

For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit our Scholarships and fees on research degrees page.

Eligibility

Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.

Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.

Additional eligibility criteria specific to this project/scholarship:

  • Applications are open to applicants from engineering, economics, or computer science discipline backgrounds
  • Applicants must be able to undertake the project on-campus

Selection Criteria

The project is competitively assessed and awarded.  Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.

Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:

  • Energy systems engineering and/or energy economics

Application process

  1. Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
  2. Contact A/Prof Evan Franklin to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
  3. In your application:
    • Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
    • Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
  4. Apply prior to 25 September 2023.

Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section of the Research Degrees website.

Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.

Apply now Explore other projects

Why the University of Tasmania?

Worldwide reputation for research excellence

Quality supervision and support

Tasmania offers a unique study lifestyle experience