Loughborough University
About the Project
This PhD scholarship is offered by the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience; a partnership between the Universities of Durham, Hull, Loughborough and Sheffield. The project is sponsored by industry partner, the Crown Estate of England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The successful applicant will undertake six-month of training with the rest of the CDT cohort at the University of Hull before continuing their PhD research at Loughborough University, with opportunity for a period spent at the Crown Estate headquarters in London.
Offshore wind farms are a key driver in the transition to clean energy, bringing substantial environmental and economic benefits. Their development can influence the well-being and social dynamics of nearby communities in various ways, requiring a thoughtful and inclusive approach to maximise positive outcomes. During the construction phase, temporary changes may affect daily life in coastal areas. However, with careful planning and community engagement, these disruptions can be managed effectively, ensuring minimal impact on residents. Over the long term, offshore wind farms can contribute to economic growth by creating jobs, attracting investment, and enhancing local infrastructure. They provide opportunities for workforce development and skill-building in emerging industries, fostering resilience in regional economies. Beyond economic aspects, offshore wind farms can bring social and cultural shifts. While some traditional coastal activities may need to adapt to new surroundings, the presence of renewable energy projects can also inspire innovation, promote environmental awarness, and strengthen local identity and belonging. Collaborative initiatives, such as community benefit programs and educational partnerships, can help integrate wind energy into the cultural fabric of coastal areas, creating a shared sense of progress and sustainability. This PhD research will address these challenges through a robust analysis of offshore wind farms’ influence on quality of life, social cohesion, and economic resilience.
Methodology
This research aims to explore the multifaceted effects of offshore wind farms on well-being and community dynamics, considering both intended and unintended consequences. By identifying positive spillover effects—such as enhanced community resilience, belonging, economic opportunities, and increased recreational activities—alongside potential challenges, including habitat shifts and coastal development pressures, this project seeks to offer a comprehensive understanding of these dynamics. To support this analysis, a new dataset will be developed, enabling a deeper exploration of these effects over time. Social cost and benefit analysis of offshore windfarm development will be carried out using non-market monetisation approach by translating wellbeing impacts of such activities into monetary values and revealing trade-offs between money and non-market goods. This will provide insights into how much value individuals place on such initiatives and what trade-offs between different activities and behaviours are needed to capture wider benefits of offshore windfarm development. The study will analysis various dynamics addressing questions such as:
- What are the broader social and economic impacts of offshore wind farm construction and operation on the well-being of local communities?
- How do the effects of offshore wind farms evolve across different stages of their lifecycle, from initial construction to long-term operation, and how do communities adapt to these changes over time?
- What types of spillover effects do offshore wind farms have on local economies, employment, and community empowerment and belonging, and how might they contribute to overall well-being and long-term sustainability?
To achieve this objective, we will employ a combination of applied and behavioural economics methodologies, drawing on both primary and secondary data sources. This integrated approach will enable a comprehensive analysis of the short- and long-term implications of offshore wind development, offering valuable insights for policymakers and industry stakeholders. By capturing the multifaceted impacts on communities, this research will help inform strategies that align renewable energy expansion with social and economic well-being.
Training and development
You will benefit from a taught programme, giving you a broad understanding of the breadth and depth of current and emerging offshore wind sector needs. This begins with an intensive six-month programme at the University of Hull for the new student intake, drawing on the expertise and facilities of all four academic partners. It is supplemented by Continuing Professional Development (CPD), which is embedded throughout your 4-year research scholarship.
The successful candidate will develop expertise in behavioural economics, econometrics, and advanced data analysis tools, preparing them for impactful careers across academia, consulting, government, and beyond. You will develop a wide range of numerical modelling and programming skills that will provide excellent career opportunities in both academia and industry. You will be provided with the opportunity to acquire skills and expertise in software such as Stata and Matlab or Python.
Entry requirements
If you have received a First-class Honours degree, or a 2:1 Honours degree and a Masters, or a Distinction at Masters level with any undergraduate degree (or the international equivalents) in economics, energy economics, environmental science or related fields, we would like to hear from you. Strong analytical, quantitative and interdisciplinary collaboration skills are essential.
Guaranteed interview scheme
The CDT is committed to generating a diverse and inclusive training programme and is looking to attract applicants from all backgrounds. We offer a Guaranteed Interview Scheme for home fee status candidates who identify as Black or Black mixed or Asian or Asian mixed if they meet the programme entry requirements. This positive action is to support recruitment of these under-represented ethnic groups to our programme and is an opt in process. Find out more.
How to apply
Applications to the EPSRC CDT in Offshore Wind Energy Sustainability and Resilience are made to the University where the PhD project is based. You will find full instructions and links on the CDT website.
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