PhD STEPs to end energy poverty through system transition engineering

About the Project

This PhD project delves into the dynamics of residential energy consumption, system flexibility, and employs the systems transition engineering processes (STEPs) to tackle energy poverty with novel utility network-to-end-use flexibility opportunities. The research is framed around the critical need to create resilient urban energy systems that not only adapt to fast-paced technological and environmental changes but also promote energy equity and efficiency.

In urban environments, residential areas are key consumers of energy and greatly influence the overall dynamics of urban energy flow. The primary aim of this research is to innovate, model and optimise the intake and distribution of energy in residential sectors and examine how these modifications can alleviate energy poverty, characterised by lack of access to reliable and affordable energy services. This involves understanding the specific energy needs of underserved populations and integrating solutions that ensure equitable energy distribution. Our approach will also provide a urgently needed systems engineering contribution in the field of sustainability systems transitions by considering energy as part of the overall urban metabolism [1].

Transition Engineering principles guide the project's approach, integrating systems thinking, predictive modelling, and simulation techniques to explore novel and practical engineering adjustments for improving system flexibility and reliability amid increasing green energy integration and fluctuating demand [2]. Expertise will be gained in grid and network technology and commercial operations, and energy end uses—from heating and lighting to appliances and electronic devices. The project will assess initiatives like participatory demand-response technologies, energy-efficient retrofitting, integrated storage, and community energy systems using the framing of multi-level perspectives on sociotechnical transitions [3].

Moving beyond technical analysis, the study will incorporate socioeconomic data to paint a more accurate picture of energy consumption patterns and barriers to energy access in various residential demographics. The effort will also integrate housing and commuting stressors and market conditions as ways to build holistic understanding of co-benefits from system transition co-opportunities [4]. Strategic simulation tools will evaluate how different interventions in particular settings might impact energy, housing and transport affordability and reliability at the household level and their wider effects on the energy system's flexibility and urban metabolism sustainability [5].

Policy implications will also be a significant focus of this research. By identifying regulatory and institutional barriers to equitable energy distribution and system flexibility, the project aims to suggest robust policy measures that can support broad adoption of efficient and equitable energy solutions. Businesses throughout the sector need to navigate integrated, feasible and implementable pathways through the complex environmental, social and economic development landscape [6].

The expected contribution of this PhD project is pioneering approach for energy transition shifts for adaptable, forward-thinking strategies that enhance energy system infrastructure in urban areas, ensuring that they are not only sustainable and flexible but also fair and responsive to the needs of all community members. The PhD candidate will have a Mechanical or Electric Power Engineering qualification, utility industry or energy systems engineering experience, aptitude for modelling, and passion for energy systems transition engineering. Candidates who are systems thinkers are preferred.

Time-lines

The closing date for applications is 5 January 2026 and applicants must be available to start by May 2026. We will be reviewing applications as received and may close applications early if a suitable candidate is identified.

References

1. Li, Y., Beeton, R.J.S., Zhao, X. et al. Advancing urban sustainability transitions: A framework for understanding urban complexity and enhancing integrative transformations. Humanit Soc Sci Commun 11, 1064 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1057/s41599-024-03598-x
2. S. Krumdieck, Transition Engineering, Building a Sustainable Future, CRC Press Taylor & Francis, (2020).
3. Frank W. Geels, Johan Schot, Typology of sociotechnical transition pathways, Research Policy, Volume 36, Issue 3,(2007) 399-417,
https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2007.01.003
4. Zhao, J., Mo, B., Caros, N.S. et al. Housing exchange framework to reduce carbon emissions from commuting. Nat Sustain 8, 1259–1269 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-025-01658-x
5. A delivery agenda on climate change. Nat Sustain 8, 1235 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41893-025-01719-1
6. Smith A, Voß JP, Grin J (2010) Innovation studies and sustainability transitions: The allure of the multi-level perspective and its challenges. Res Policy 39(4):435–448. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.respol.2010.01.02