MPhil/PhD Studentship in The Great British Battery: Efficient, Grid-Scale Subsurface Storage of Nuclear Heat for UK Net-Zero Energy

Investing in excellence: studentship opportunities

The University of Derby has an opportunity for a full-time postgraduate research studentship in the Data Science and Zero Carbon areas of research in the College of Science and Engineering.

The successful applicant will receive a maintenance stipend (based on the minimum stipend defined by UKRI, currently £21,805 for the academic year 2026/27) and home MPhil/PhD tuition fees (£5,238 - subject to amendment) only up to the target submission date.

The intended intake period is January 2027.

International applicants may need to defer to March 2027 to allow sufficient time for CAS issuance and visa processing.

Please note: If your application is successful and you are assessed as international for fees purposes, you will need to pay the difference between the home fees and the international fees.

The successful applicant will be expected to complete their MPhil/PhD within 3 years on the MPhil/PhD route, contribute to the College REF submission and get involved in the wider research activities of the College.

Applicants will become part of a friendly and welcoming team and will be supported and managed by their supervisors.

The vacancy details are as follows:

Project description

The transition to a low-carbon energy system requires innovative solutions that can balance fluctuations in renewable energy supply while maximising the efficiency of future energy infrastructure. This PhD project will investigate high-enthalpy subsurface heat storage, a novel concept that could enable excess thermal energy to be stored underground and recovered when energy demand is high or renewable generation is low.

The research will undertake the first comprehensive assessment of subsurface heat storage potential at three strategically important UK sites, each representing distinct geological and engineering conditions. Using a combination of advanced geological characterisation, machine learning-enabled subsurface modelling, and dynamic heat transport simulation, the project will evaluate the technical feasibility and long-term performance of geological heat storage systems.

Located at the interface of geoscience, energy systems and computational modelling, the project offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to a rapidly emerging field with significant relevance to the future energy transition. The research will help advance scientific understanding of how the subsurface can be used to improve energy flexibility, reduce waste, and support the integration of low-carbon power generation technologies.

Purpose/objectives

The purpose of this project is to determine whether geological reservoirs can provide safe and effective long-term storage for excess nuclear-derived heat, helping improve the flexibility and efficiency of future low-carbon energy systems.

The project will:

• Develop detailed geological and reservoir models for three UK energy sites with contrasting geological settings
• Apply advanced machine learning and subsurface modelling techniques to characterise potential heat storage reservoirs
• Simulate fluid flow, heat transport and long-term thermal behaviour within geological formations
• Quantify storage capacity, thermal efficiency, energy recovery potential, and potential environmental responses associated with underground heat storage

The research will provide new scientific understanding of subsurface thermal energy systems and establish evidence for evaluating their role within future net-zero energy infrastructure.

Potential project impact

This research addresses a critical challenge in the transition to net zero: how to store and utilise energy more efficiently while maintaining a reliable and resilient energy system. By exploring a previously underdeveloped approach to large-scale energy storage, the project has the potential to inform future energy planning and technology development by:

• Advancing scientific understanding of subsurface thermal energy storage and its application within low-carbon energy systems
• Supporting improvements in renewable energy integration, energy efficiency and long-term energy security through innovative storage solutions
• Contributing to national and global decarbonisation efforts by investigating technologies that could reduce energy wastage and reliance on fossil-fuel-based balancing generation

The outcomes will provide valuable evidence for the future development of sustainable energy infrastructure and help establish new knowledge in an important emerging research field.

To apply

Please review our entry requirements before submitting your application and check out the 'Getting Started' section below.

Completed applications should be submitted via our online application system. It is important that you quote the funding reference: QR_SE_SUBSURFACE_2627

Apply online

Closing dates for applications: 8 November 2026.

Interviews: 20 November 2026 to 26 November 2026.

If you have not been invited for an interview by the interview date, please assume your application has been unsuccessful.

For other enquiries which are subject-specific please contact:

Dr Jordan Phethean - J.Phethean@derby.ac.uk

Charlotte Priddy - C.Priddy@derby.ac.uk

Getting started

Before you begin your application, make sure you have the following:

Studentship funding reference code

It is important that you quote the funding reference: QR_SE_SUBSURFACE_2627 in your application, at the top of your personal statement.

Required Documents

Before submitting your application, please ensure you upload all required documents to enable us to assess your application fully. References may be provided at a later stage.

Personal statement

A 500-word personal statement outlining your suitability for the studentship project. This is a mandatory requirement and you must upload it into your application. You should include your reasons for applying for the studentship, your experience in the field, how you feel you would benefit from studying and relevant information about your previous studies.

Your CV

A CV outlining your academic and professional experience.

Qualifications

Your qualification details including grades and dates taken. You will have the opportunity to upload scanned copies of your qualification certificates and transcripts in the application. If you have no formal qualifications, you can also state this in your application.

Photo ID

A scanned copy of your photo ID, such as a passport or driving licence. This will help us verify your application to study with us.

Academic references

Two signed academic references. This is optional at application stage but highly encouraged. If successful in your application, two academic references will be a mandatory requirement of admission. The references should be in written format, signed and dated from either a supervisor or tutor from your most recent studies.

For international applicants

The University of Derby has a network of international agents and representatives in different regions. For postgraduate research degree applications, depending on your country of origin, you may need to apply through an agent. You can contact any of our agents and apply to study with us through them.

Some agents may charge for provision of services so please check this directly with the agent. Please be aware that, if you apply directly to the University without going through an agent, we may contact you and you will be required to re-apply through an agent or representative before your application can be considered.