PhD - Offshore Wind O&M Costs focusing on Climate-Driven Changes in Metocean Patterns

University of Strathclyde

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 engineering and the environment**, specifically offshore wind maintenance modelling**. 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 climate-driven changes in metocean conditions may influence the long-term operations and maintenance (O&M) performance of offshore wind farms. The successful candidate will investigate how evolving parameters such as significant wave height, Atlantic swell patterns, storm frequency, and seasonal weather variability could affect offshore accessibility windows, maintenance logistics, and weather-related downtime for offshore wind assets. Drawing on climate projections, metocean datasets, and offshore O&M modelling techniques, the research will develop data-informed approaches to quantify the impact of changing environmental conditions on maintenance strategies, operational risk, and long-term O&M costs. The project will ultimately provide insights that help offshore wind developers optimise operational strategies, anticipate future accessibility constraints, and support more resilient and cost-effective asset management in emerging offshore wind regions such as the North Sea, Irish Sea, Celtic Sea, and the west coast of Ireland.

Entry Requirements and further details:

This 4 year fully funded studentship is open to applicants with a first-class or upper second-class degree (or equivalent) in Engineering, Physics, Data Analytics or other relevant areas. Experience of maintenance practices and environmental data is useful but not essential.

Overseas/EU: Applications accepted until 30th June 2026

Home/UK: Applications accepted until all places are filled.

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.

Please apply by submitting your CV, cover letter and transcripts to j.carroll@strath.ac.uk and drew.smith@strath.ac.uk