The Centre for Doctoral Training will produce at least 70 PhD-level engineers specifically trained to redesign the UK’s electricity grid so it can handle a massive influx of renewable power. Today’s power network was built for a few large, predictable power stations. Wind and solar farms generate electricity intermittently and in many different locations, which strains the grid’s ability to balance supply and demand in real time. Without engineers who understand both traditional power systems and the new digital, consumer, and storage technologies, the UK cannot deliver its low-carbon electricity targets. If successful, the Centre will create a pipeline of specialists ready to work in industry, utilities, government, and academia. These engineers will design and operate the “smart grid”—a network that uses sensors, real-time data, and automated controls to manage fluctuating renewable generation, integrate electric vehicles and heat pumps, and keep the lights on. Every student will also complete an industrial or international secondment, ensuring their training is grounded in practical, real-world challenges. The result is a workforce capable of quietly upgrading the invisible infrastructure that powers modern life.
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This Centre will focus on the EPSRC priority area of power networks. It directly focuses on the effect of increases in the use of renewable energy sources on the existing energy supply network and how future network technologies will deal with these challenges. The vision of the Centre is to create a cohort of at least 70 doctoral level engineers prepared for industry, utility, government and academic roles at the heart of innovation and advances in the future power networks. They will be a key cohort in the delivery of the UK's low carbon ambitions and will need creative skills, innovation and the underpinning knowledge in multiple fields to address research domains directed at the heart of the smart grid challenge. The requirement for a smart grid is instrumental for the delivery of low carbon electricity. This Centre will train students in the blend of traditional and emerging power network concepts and advances in information and communication technologies, consumer and demand side technologies, and integrated energy systems required to deliver future networks. We see five key elements to the training. First, an Induction Programme to outline the fundamental topics and challenges. Advanced Topics will then provide Masters level research topic oriented training in the key subjects that would underpin innovation in the networks. Experiential Learning modules will train the students in a wide range of relevant practical topics that develops an awareness of industrial reality and gives the students specific skills. Mini-projects will be used to provide experience of team working across disciplines, to provide an early link with industrial partners and to promote cohort experience. The final element is Continual Professional Development (CPD) and Research Training including elements of the graduate training programmes of our industrial partners. Student development is augmented through an industrial or international secondment being available to every student.
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