About the Project
The transition to net-zero requires innovative approaches that reduce waste, lower costs, and maximise the value of existing renewable energy infrastructure. This interdisciplinary PhD project explores whether second-hand wind turbines can provide a sustainable and economically viable solution for UK community energy projects.
Working at the intersection of renewable energy, circular economy, sustainability assessment, and decision sciences, the successful candidate will develop novel methods and tools to evaluate the environmental, social, technical, and economic impacts of reconditioned wind turbines. Using the pioneering Hockerton community wind turbine project as a real-world case study, the research will generate evidence on how communities can extend turbine lifespan, while supporting local energy generation and net-zero ambitions.
The project will combine life-cycle assessment (LCA), systems thinking, stakeholder engagement, data analytics, and simulation modelling to create novel decision-support tools for community energy investment decisions. The research will address important questions about the feasibility, sustainability, and long-term value of second-hand wind turbines within a circular economy framework.
The student will work closely with an interdisciplinary supervisory team from Nottingham Business School and the School of Science and Technology, alongside external partners including the Directors of the Hockerton Housing Project.
This studentship is ideal for candidates interested in renewable energy systems, sustainability transitions, circular economy, environmental assessment, operations research, simulation modelling, or community-led innovation. The project offers opportunities to engage with policymakers, industry practitioners, and community stakeholders while contributing to cutting-edge research with real-world impact.
Supervisory team
Entry qualifications
Essential skills
- Quantitative and/or qualitative research skills, e.g. life-cycle analysis (LCA), statistical and data analysis of questionnaire surveys.
- Knowledge of renewable energy systems, circular economy principles, and sustainability assessment.
- Data analysis and simulation modelling skills to develop decision-support tools and assess the feasibility of second-hand wind turbines.
Desirable skills
- Experience in community engagement and working with stakeholders for data gathering and validation.
- Familiarity with systems thinking and modelling tools, such as soft systems methodology, to integrate multi-disciplinary methods.
- Knowledge of ethical data management practices and experience in open-access publishing for transparency and reproducibility.
How to apply
Essential skills
- 1st class/2:1 undergraduate degree in engineering, environmental sciences, sustainability, energy systems, operations research, business analytics, or a related discipline. Completed master's level qualification with a high merit or distinction or evidence of substantive published research.
- Strong quantitative and qualitative research skills.
- Good analytical and communication skills.
Desirable skills
- Interest in renewable energy, sustainability, and circular economy approaches.
- Experience with life-cycle assessment (LCA), data analytics, simulation modelling, or systems thinking methods.
- Knowledge of renewable energy technologies and energy policy.
- Experience of stakeholder engagement or community-based research.
How to apply
Click the "Apply online" button at the top of this page to begin your application. The application deadline for this project is Thursday 22 October 2026.
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