Program Overview

Renewable Energy

Overview

Based at the University’s Penryn Campus near Falmouth, you will work with leading research experts exploring the latest technological advances in this socially critical area of investigation.

Research Overview

Our research is organised around the following research areas:

• Offshore renewable energy: The University of Exeter has over 20 years’ experience in offshore renewable energy, including wave analysis; marine hydrodynamics; resource modelling; moorings; testing; reliability engineering; offshore installation, monitoring, operations and maintenance.
• Solar energy: The University of Exeter has over 20 years’ experience in offshore renewable energy, including wave analysis; marine hydrodynamics; resource modelling; moorings; testing; reliability engineering; offshore installation, monitoring, operations and maintenance.
• Energy storage: The focus of this research group is predominantly on electrochemical energy storage technologies, including redox flow batteries, electrolysers for hydrogen production, fuel cells and supercapacitors.
• Exeter Energy, Environment and Economy (4E): The Exeter Energy, Environment & Economy (4E) research group works in a transdisciplinary way to develop models and tools to assess the environmental, economic and social sustainability of a wide range of sociotechnical systems.
• Energy policy: We actively pursue policy research across many areas, taking advantage of our links with the University of Exeter's Energy Policy Group as well as our position within the College of Engineering, Mathematics and Physical Sciences to develop interdisciplinary work.
• Electrical power systems: This research group is concerned with the development of digital control of power electronics for distributed energy sources, hybrid vehicles and machines and drives.

How to Apply

• Pinpoint your PhD research area
• Investigate whether this area is available at Exeter
• Ensure that you meet our English language entry requirements (international students only)
• Construct and refine your PhD research proposal
• Approach your potential supervisor(s)
• Apply online

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees per year 2025/26:
  • Home: £5,006 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
  • International: £29,600 full-time
• Tuition fees per year 2024/25:
  • Home: £4,786 full-time; £pro-rata part-time
  • International: £28,500 full-time
• Current funding opportunities:
  • University of Exeter Alumni Scholarship 2025/26: 20% reduction in the first year tuition fee
  • University of Exeter Class of 2025 Progression Scholarship: 20% reduction in the first year tuition fees
  • PhD Studentship in Cultural Histories of Eco-Ableism, CAHRT, UKRI-funded through the Centre for Net Positive Health and Climate Solutions: £20,780 per year (2025/26 rate)

Supervision

• High-quality research supervision to develop and nurture your potential
• A tailored supervision approach to help best suit your requirements
• Accessible supervisors who are enthusiastic about working directly with postgraduate research students
• Regular timetabled meetings with your supervisor
• 'Open door' policy to all postgraduate students - instant access to world-leading researchers who will share their expertise and ideas with you
• Regular meetings with your supervisory team, other members of your research group, and mentors

Facilities

• Renewable Energy at Exeter has access to the conventional laboratory facilities, including materials testing and workshops but also has significant specialist resources applicable to the renewable energy sector.
• Dynamic Marine Component Test Facility (DMaC): A laboratory facility designed to simulate offshore dynamic loads which also has application to more general materials and component testing.

Careers

• We are committed to ensuring you receive high quality research supervision to maximise your potential and prepare you for a rewarding career.
• Postgraduate students have access to the wide range of support offered by our Career Zone.
• In addition, postgraduate research students can access our Postgraduate Researchers' Programme, which covers a range of topics to help you to succeed during your research degree and to act as a springboard for your research career.