PhD Research Studentships
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from green hydrogen and ammonia supply chains
| Supervisors: | Paul BALCOMBE and Maria CRESPO-RIBADENEYRA |
| Apply by: | 31 January 2024 |
| Start in: | September (Semester 1) |
Description
Green hydrogen, produced from electrolysis fuelled by renewable electricity, is proposed to be a key solution in decarbonising hard-to-reach sectors such as heavy duty transport (e.g. shipping) and heavy industry. But there is an underlying assumption that green hydrogen produces zero emissions: this may be correct when looking at just the operational phase of the technologies but not over its life cycle.
Also, the storage, transport and distribution for the effective trade of hydrogen is costly and energy intensive, partly due to its low volumetric density. An alternative solution is to transport hydrogen as ammonia which even could be combusted or used in a fuel cell. But the multiple conditions and limitations are likely to vary across regions and the optimal supply chain solution is not yet known.
This project seeks to uncover the life cycle emissions and costs associated with green hydrogen and ammonia production, transport, storage and end-use. The project will include supply chain modelling using global weather and trade data to develop a global emissions and cost model of hydrogen and ammonia supply chains to understand where it can be produced in a low carbon manner, and what the impacts of international trade would be in replacing current methods of energy provision.
A planetary boundaries framework will be utilised to understand whole system sustsainability and the potential role of hydrogen in deep decarbonisation pathways.
Funding
Funded by: China Scholarship CouncilCandidate will need to secure a CSC scholarship.
Under the scheme, Queen Mary will provide scholarships to cover all tuition fees, whilst the CSC will provide living expenses and one return flight ticket to successful applicants.
Eligibility
- The minimum requirement for this studentship opportunity is a good honours degree (minimum 2(i) honours or equivalent) or MSc/MRes in a relevant discipline.
- If English is not your first language, you will require a valid English certificate equivalent to IELTS 6.5+ overall with a minimum score of minimum score of 6.0 in each of Writing, Listening, Reading and Speaking).
- Candidates are expected to start in September (Semester 1).
Contact
For informal enquiries about this opportunity, please contact Paul BALCOMBE or Maria CRESPO-RIBADENEYRA.
Apply
Start an application for this studentship and for entry onto the PhD Chemical Engineering full-time programme (Semester 1 / September start):
Please be sure to quote the reference "SEMS-PHD-567" to associate your application with this studentship opportunity.
| Related website: | https://www.sems.qmul.ac.uk/staff/p.balcombe/research/ | |
| SEMS Research Centre: | ||
| Keywords: | Applied Chemistry, Chemical Engineering, Energy Technologies, Environmental Engineering, Systems Engineering |