HW-3-12 Smart Water Engineering for a Waterless Distillery

About the Project

This PhD is one of a number of projects hosted by the Centre for Doctoral Training in Green Industrial Futures (CDT-GIF). We are offering pioneering research projects that will enable PhD researchers to explore key technologies and solutions that will support UK industry to reach net zero.

Project Description

Waterless Distillery - Radical Water Reduction in Scotch Whisky Production

Challenge Statement: How do we make Scotch Whisky distilling processes water neutral (1L water used to produce 1L in product) to eliminate wastewater and potential strain on local water supplies, while ensuring continuous production? This project will look at the full distilling process in scotch whisky and reimagine all aspects of the traditional role of water. This will include looking beyond what is currently possible – a theoretical design of the lowest possible water consumption that could still deliver spirit recognisable as scotch whisky. Working in collaboration with Diageo Technical and Sustainable engineering teams, the project will also offer the opportunity to spend time on an industrial placement with a Diageo technical team.

Supervisors

• cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk
• John Andresen
• Sudhagar Pitchaimuthu

Application Criteria

Applicants should hold a First-class or 2:1 MEng/MSc (or equivalent) in Chemical, Process, Energy, Mechanical Engineering, Chemistry, Materials Science, Economics, or related disciplines. Strong interest in reducing waste and engineer a sustainable future is required. Candidates should be aware of and meet the entry requirements for the university hosting the PhD studentship.

Funding Notes

The programme is four years and starts in September 2026. Funding includes full UK fees, tax-free stipend (2025/2026 stipend is £20,780), plus budget for travel and consumables.

Enquiries

cdtgreenindustrialfutures@hw.ac.uk

Application Web Page

https://greenindustrialfutures.site.hw.ac.uk/