About the Project
The purpose of this PhD is to investigate how renewable energy expansion can contribute to regional value creation, economic resilience and inclusive development across Europe.
The European energy system is undergoing a profound transformation under the pressure of geopolitical, economic and social developments. Russia’s war against Ukraine has shown acute structural weaknesses of the energy system that still dominated by fossil fuels, import dependency and high price volatility, with serious implications for households, industry and the cohesion of the internal market.
Renewable energy presents an opportunity to retain investment, revenues and economic activity within local and regional economies. However, existing research has primarily focused on aggregate employment and macroeconomic effects (Vogele et al., 2023), or carbon reduction outcomes and energy security (Kosowski, 2024). As previous PSIRU research has pointed out, less is known about how ownership structures, governance arrangements, labour market institutions and public policy choices influence the extent to which renewable energy generates local jobs, strengthens municipal finances, supports local businesses and reduces regional inequalities (Weghmann 2019). This PhD addresses this gap by examining beyond the assertion that investment in renewable energy creates economic benefits, but who benefits, where benefits are captured, and under what conditions.
The research will investigate the economic, social and fiscal impacts of solar photovoltaics, wind energy, renewable heat systems, energy storage technologies and energy communities on different regions in Europe. Particular attention will be paid to ownership structures of energy suppliers, employment creation of renewable energy production, local supply chains, municipal revenues, public investment capacity and the strengthening of regional economic ecosystems.
Drawing on political economy, regional development and energy transition scholarship, the PhD study will compare different European regions and municipalities pursuing distinct renewable energy pathways. The aim is to analyse the role of public, municipal, cooperative, community and private ownership models in shaping local value creation and the distribution of benefits by studying renewable energy projects and their impacts on local and regional employment, productivity and economic activity. The project will also explore impacts on energy poverty, affordability, price stability and energy security. Methodologically, the project will combine quantitative analysis with qualitative case studies, policy analysis and interviews with trade unions, local authorities, policymakers, energy providers and community organisations.
The PhD will be undertaken in partnership with younion (Austria's largest public service trade union) representing workers in municipal services and local government. Building on the growing collaboration between PSIRU and Austrian trade unions, the project embeds impact throughout the research process. The partnership will facilitate field access to policymakers, municipalities and practitioner networks while ensuring that research findings are translated into practical policy recommendations.
The project will produce comparative evidence, policy briefings, stakeholder workshops and actionable recommendations demonstrating how renewable energy expansion can be leveraged as a tool for regional industrial policy, employment creation and long-term economic resilience. In doing so, it will strengthen PSIRU's partnership with younion, enhance the University of Greenwich's reputation for impactful research, and contribute to policy debates on delivering a just and locally beneficial energy transition across Europe.
Funding Notes
Bursary available (subject to satisfactory performance):
Year 1: £23,805 (UKRI 2026-27 standard rate including London Weighting)
Years 2 & 3: In line with relevant UKRI rate
In addition, the successful candidate will receive a contribution to tuition fees equivalent to the university's Home rate for the duration of their scholarship. International applicants will need to pay the remainder tuition fee for the duration of their scholarship. The fee is subject to an annual increase.
Partially funded by Younion , Die Daseinsgewerkschaft (ÖGB)
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