Examining the socio-economic value generated by different approaches to community benefit creation and distribution from renewable electricity in the UK

About the Project

PhD in the EnerHy CDT which is an EPSRC-funded Centre for Doctoral Training (CDT) focusing on research and training in the areas of Renewable Energy and Hydrogen. The University of Strathclyde leads the wind/renewable energy training and research elements of the CDT programme. Funded by ESB and EPSRC, this 4 year this PhD studentship, at the University of Strathclyde is in the area of economics and energy policy, specifically on community benefit funds and economic impact. The role is for the third intake of the EnerHy programme which commences in October 2026.

Research project overview:

This PhD research opportunity focuses on understanding how renewable energy developments generate socio-economic value for local and regional communities, and how different approaches to community benefit design influence the scale, timing, and distribution of those impacts. The successful candidate will investigate mechanisms such as community benefit funds, shared ownership models, revenue-sharing arrangements, and other policy-driven approaches used to distribute benefits from renewable electricity projects such as onshore wind and solar PV. Drawing on case studies from the UK and international markets, the research will apply socio-economic impact assessment methods, including social accounting matrix (SAM) modelling, to evaluate how different governance structures and benefit-sharing mechanisms influence job creation, economic activity, and long-term community outcomes. The project will ultimately develop evidence-based frameworks and standardised metrics to support developers, policymakers, and communities in designing more effective and equitable approaches to sharing the benefits of renewable energy as part of a just energy transition.

Entry Requirements and further details:

This 4 year fully funded studentship is open to Home/UK/Irish applicants with a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Economics, Energy Policy, Engineering, Geography or other relevant areas.

Programme Package and Funding

The studentship is for 4 years full-time, is fully funded with tuition fees at the UK rate covered and provides a tax-free stipend of £21,805 per annum. Additionally, £3,000 per annum is provided for consumables, travel, etc.

Our EnerHy PhD Studentship packages includes:

• All PhD tuition fees paid.
• A tax-free stipend at UKRI rates to cover living costs.
• A substantial Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) each year to support travel, training and consumables costs.
• Additional funding to support outreach and development.