PhD Studentship - Process Industries: Net Zero - Net Zero Marine Fuels by Hydrothermal Processing of Waste

Overview

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. However, 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 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.

This advert will close at midnight on 1.7.2026 but may close earlier if strong applications are received. Early submission is encouraged.