PhD Studentship - Centre for Doctoral Training in Process Industries: Net Zero – Net Zero Marine Fuels by Hydrothermal Processing of Waste

About the Project

Marine transport is a difficult sector to decarbonise, as electrical power is challenging for many forms of shipping. Hence, sustainable marine fuels are required. Methanol fuel tankers are already in operation, with multiple international fleets of methanol-fuelled vessels, but virtually all methanol is produced by steam methane reformation of natural gas, so the carbon footprint is substantial.

“Biomethanol”, derived from waste/biomass which do not compete with food production, could be the key sustainable “drop-in” marine fuel of the future. This PhD project addresses a key challenge: how to efficiently produce bio-methanol from abundant, high-moisture biomass waste feedstocks.

The research will focus on hydrothermal processing. This technology has the potential to disrupt the biofuels market by eliminating the energy-intensive drying steps typically required for wet biomass sources, thereby changing the economics. Process Intensification strategies will be employed to offer substantial advantages in energy efficiency and process economics. Various feedstocks will be examined, but a key feedstock will be digestate, a by-product of anaerobic digestion.

The project will involve collaboration with experienced engineers and scientists at Newcastle University and PuriFire as part of the EPSRC PINZ (Process Industries: Net Zero) Centre for Doctoral Training in:

1. Reactor design optimisation: contribute to the design of the UK’s largest hydrothermal methanol synthesis, exploring advanced modelling techniques to maximize yield and minimize byproduct formation.
2. Scalability Studies: investigate the challenges and opportunities associated with scaling up this technology.

Number of awards: 1

Award duration: 4 years

Start date: 1 October 2026

Sponsor: EPSRC

Eligibility Criteria

You must have, or expect to gain, a minimum 2:1 Honours degree or international equivalent in a subject relevant to the proposed PhD project. We’re looking for motivated candidates with a background in chemical engineering, bioelectrochemical engineering, environmental engineering, or related disciplines. Interest in sustainability, circular economy, and process innovation is essential. Good organisational and communication skills, and the ability to work independently and in a team are essential.

The studentship is open to Home Students only, and if successful will receive a full studentship.

How to apply

You must apply through the University's Apply to Newcastle Portal. Once registered select ‘Create a Postgraduate Application’.

Use ‘Course Search’ to identify your programme of study:

• Search for the ‘Course Title’ using the programme code: 8856F
• Leave the ‘Research Area’ blank
• Select ‘PhD in Process Industries; Net Zero (PINZ)' as the programme of study

You will then need to provide the following information in the ‘Further Details’ section:

• A ‘Personal Statement’ (this is a mandatory field) - upload a document or write a statement directly in to the application form
• The studentship code PINZ03-26 in the ‘Studentship/Partnership Reference’ field
• ‘Research Proposal’ - when prompted for how you are providing your research proposal – select ‘Write Proposal’. You should then type in the title of the research project from this advert. You do not need to upload a research proposal.

You must submit one application per studentship, you cannot apply for multiple studentships on one application.

Funding Notes

100% fees (UK Home only), a minimum tax-free annual living allowance at the 2026/27 UKRI rate (£21,805), and a research training support grant of £20,000.