PhD studentship: Techno-economic feasibility assessment of CO2 capture & utilisation from cement manufacturing (ENG1220)

Applications are invited for a fully funded 3-year PhD project in the area of CO2 capture and utilisation in the Low Carbon Energy and Resources Technologies Research Group at the Faculty of Engineering, University of Nottingham. Due to funding restrictions this studentship is only available to UK and EU citizens.

Project description

Decarbonising heavy industry is now seen as essential to meet the climate change target of limiting global warming to 2°C since pre-industrial times. To achieve deep decarbonisation, carbon capture and storage (CCS) is required and, in areas where there is no storage capacity close by, the conversion of CO2 to added-value products needs to be considered. 

The project will evaluate the technical and financial feasibility of different process scenarios for carbon capture and utilisation (CCU) from lime and cement manufacturing, one of the largest CO2 emitters globally. Towards this aim, the project will include:

A market analysis to identify the most promising CCU products within the UK region

Evaluation of available CO2 capture and conversion technologies to target products

Development of new process and cost models to determine the most cost effective options and set design targets to achieve economic feasibility

Techno-economic assessment (TEA) is a valuable tool for assessing the economic viability of new technologies and it is widely used in industry to optimise existing processes and explore new technology options.PhD Engineering graduates with TEA experience are highly sought by both industry and academia; thus, they have a wider range of employment options upon graduation.

You will join an established research team within the Low Carbon Energy and Resources Technologies Research Group (Faculty of Engineering) which is world renowned for its high impact research on CCS, CCU and biomass/waste utilisation. 

Funding is available upon confirmation by the Faculty of Engineering at University of Nottingham This will cover tuition fees, and full Stipend at the RCUK rate, which is £14,777 (tax free) per annum for 2018/19, subject to annual increases for inflation. An enhanced stipend may be available to the successful candidate. There will also be some support available for you to claim for conference attendance. 

Entry requirements

You should be able to demonstrate an interest in process simulation and modelling. Students with experience or a willingness to learn software such as Aspen Plus, Aspen HYSYS and MATLAB are encouraged to apply. 

Start date: Preferably October or December 2018 but this is flexible. Applicants should be UK or EU nationals and should have (or expect to obtain) a first-class or good 2:1 (above 65% grade mark average) UK honours degree, or a distinction or high merit at MSc level in Chemical Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or a related discipline.

Informal enquiries may be addressed to Dr Ioanna Dimitriou (ioanna.dimitriou@nottingham.ac.uk) 

How to apply

Applications with a CV, cover letter including your research interests, and the names and email addresses of two referees should be sent to Dr Ioanna Dimitriou, Department of Chemical and Environmental Engineering, University of Nottingham, University Park, NG7 2RD. Email: ioanna.dimitriou@nottingham.ac.uk. Suitable applicants will be interviewed, and if successful, invited to make a formal application.

Closing Date: 30 Nov 2018
Category: Studentships