[School of Engineering PhD Scholarships] Power-pool design in high-stakes transboundary water–energy-food systems

About the project

About the Project To reduce emissions, lower costs, and improve services, countries are interlinking their power networks with neighbouring countries into ‘power-pools’, and eventually into energy markets (like in Europe, USA). Energy systems have large impacts of societies and other resources. This project investigates how power-pool regulations and design shape outcomes in high-stakes multi-country water–energy-food systems subject to water scarcity and climate change. In hydropower-influenced electricity systems (about 1/3 of the world’s countries), energy exchange regulations affect water resource storage, allocation, reliability, and sustainability. Traditional sectoral planning cannot capture these interactions, particularly if water allocation is contested and future climate is uncertain. The dried Aral Sea of Central Asia – one of the world’s greatest human-caused ecological catastrophe of the 20th century, is a cautionary tale of what can happen when water resources are exploited blindly for energy & food production without considering wider ecological, economic and social realities. The research will develop and apply a multi-sector energy-water-economy model to evaluate how alternative power-pool designs reduce emissions, guarantee energy and water access (including to the environment) and lower costs. By representing water systems, hydropower operations, electricity market structures and economies within a unified analytical framework, the project will assess trade-offs between economic efficiency, reliability, and sustainability. The project’s research and impact novelty lie in the computational and AI methods to be applied (contact supervisor to discuss). The research will generate decision-relevant insights with and for the policymakers, regulators, and system planners who are setting up the energy markets in a water-scarce, resource constrained areas. Case study: The 5-country Central Asia power system. Our research group already has access to the needed datasets from existing funded work with several regional development partners, and we are already working in co-production with the relevant regional resource system organisations. Consider applying to this exceptional research opportunity. This project is expected to start in September 2027. Before you apply: We strongly recommend that you contact the supervisors for this project before you apply. How to apply: To be considered for this project you must complete a formal application through our online application portal. If you already have an applicant account this link will directly open an application for PhD School of Engineering Scholarships . If you don’t already have an applicant account, please follow the instructions here. . When applying, please specify the full title and supervisor/s of the project, details of your previous study, and names and contact details of two referees. You must also upload a Supporting Statement describing the motivation to apply to the project, your CV and transcripts of awarded and in-progress university qualifications . Please note late or incomplete applications will not be considered. Equality, diversity and inclusion are fundamental to the success of The University of Manchester and central to all our activities. A diverse research community strengthens creativity, productivity and quality, while increasing the societal and economic impact of our work. We welcome applicants from all career paths, backgrounds and sections of the community, regardless of age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation or transgender status. We welcome applications from candidates returning to study after a career break or experience in other roles. Flexible study arrangements may be available, including part-time study at 50%, 60% or 80%, subject to the requirements of the project and funder. Eligibility : The standard academic entry requirement for this PhD is an upper second-class (2:1) honours degree in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as EEE, Computer science, applied mathematics or specialised computational-based Civil Engineering (or international equivalent) OR any upper-second class (2:1) honours degree and a Master’s degree at merit in a discipline directly relevant to the PhD such as EEE, Computer science, applied mathematics or specialised computational-based civil eng (or international equivalent). This project will remain open until filled. If your application is submitted by 1 st November 2026, you can expect a decision by 18 th December 2026. If your application is submitted by 15 th January 2027, you can expect a decision by 30 th March 2027. Self or externally funded students can also be considered for this project. FSESoE

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