AI for Modelling of Interconnected Energy Systems

About the Project

3.5 year EPSRC Doctoral Training Grant

We are seeking a highly motivated and talented PhD candidate to join our research team and work on modelling and analysis of integrated energy systems, spanning electricity, gas and hydrogen networks. The project will explore how emerging low-carbon technologies (such as heat pumps) and new, rapidly growing energy demands (such as data centres) interact with and reshape these complex, interdependent systems.

Understanding how different energy vectors influence one another is essential to ensuring security, affordability and decarbonisation. This PhD will develop advanced models of integrated energy systems and apply state-of-the-art AI and machine learning techniques, implemented primarily in Python, to analyse system behaviour, identify risks and opportunities, and support informed decision-making.

The research is highly applied and impactful. Its outputs will inform network companies, regulators and government bodies, helping to shape future investment decisions and long-term energy strategies. This is a timely and fast-growing research area, with excellent career prospects in academia, industry, consultancy and government for PhD graduates specialising in integrated and low-carbon energy systems. The project sits at the intersection of engineering, data science and energy policy, offering excellent training for a wide range of future careers.

We welcome applications from candidates with a first-class undergraduate degree or a strong MSc in Engineering, Computer Science or a closely related discipline. A solid programming background and an interest in data-driven methods are essential.

Subject to satisfactory progress, there will also be opportunities to contribute to related research projects as a part-time research assistant, providing additional paid income and further professional experience.

Those interested are encouraged to contact Prof. Meysam Qadrdan (QadrdanM@Cardiff.ac.uk) for further information and informal discussion.

Successful candidate will collaborate with a small team of researchers and PhD students at Cardiff University supervised by Professor Meysam Qadrdan and will contribute to HI-ACT project (https://hi-act.ac.uk).

Academic Criteria

Candidates should hold or expect to gain a first-class degree or a good 2.1 (or their equivalent) in Engineering or a related subject.

Applicants whose first language is not English will be required to demonstrate proficiency in the English language (IELTS 6.5 or equivalent)

Funding Notes

Full funding is currently available to Home and EU applicants on a full time basis.

Tuition fees at the Home rate are covered by the University (£5,006 in 2025/6) and an annual stipend equivalent to current Research Council rates is provided (£20,780 stipend for academic year 2025/6)