The Joint Research Centre and the Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development of Utrecht University offer jointly one PhD position in the field of power and heat system modelling. The aim of the PhD project is to generate insights into the adequacy of the European power system under high levels of electrification of the heat system and deep CO2 emission reduction. The project will investigate which generation portfolios of wind power, solar power, and complementary options can guarantee the adequacy of the power system in the face of climate variability and the occurrence of extreme weather events.

The PhD candidate will make an extensive analysis of the potential of electrification of heating and cooling in the industry, transport sector and built environment taking into account the impact of weather events. This inventory will build on knowledge generated in JRC and in other European projects including the Heat Roadmap Europe and will result in future electricity demand patterns. Next, the PhD candidate will extend the European power system model with interactions with the heat system including flexibility options that can be provided by the heat system. Finally, system adequacy of portfolios with different levels of interconnectivity and different mixes of generation, storage, and flexibility assets under many weather years will be assessed on the basis on commonly used adequacy indicators, considering also its adequacy under extreme weather events.

Results can be used by policy makers and stakeholders to guide the energy transition and take investment decisions. The output can also be used in comparative analyses to evaluate the robustness of energy transition pathways identified by different European energy models. The candidate will publish the results in scientific articles and ultimately complete a PhD thesis.

• MSc degree in Energy Science or a strongly related discipline;
• demonstrated experience with power and heat systems modelling;
• very good analytical and synthesis skills. This is a collaborative project so good communication skills and a strong team-work ethic are required;
• programming skills;
• knowledge of the European power and heat systems and preferably meteorological data sets;
• excellent writing skills, e.g. scientific articles;
• affinity with energy systems and the energy transition;
• excellent English skills (written and oral) are required.

Eligibility requirements

• Citizens of one of the EU Member States or from Associated Countries.
• Level of education, knowledge of languages, etc.: https://ec.europa.eu/jrc/sites/default/files/jrc-research-fgiv-contract-staff-2015- selection_en.pdf.

During his/her stay at the JRC in Petten, the Netherlands, the PhD candidate will be employed by the JRC as a Grantholder pursuant to the Administrative rules of 30.10.2012 applicable to the recruitment of Grantholders under national law contracts within the framework of the research programmes managed by the JRC or any future rules that will replace the Grandholder Rules. The Dutch law will apply to this employment contract. A maximum of one employment contract of 36 months will be concluded between the JRC and the doctoral student under the frame of the CDP. The candidate is expected to start as soon as possible. More information is available on the website, click here. 

A better future for everyone. This ambition motivates our scientists in executing their leading research and inspiring teaching. At Utrecht University, the various disciplines collaborate intensively towards major societal themes. Our focus is on Dynamics of Youth, Institutions for Open Societies, Life Sciences and Sustainability.

Utrecht University's Faculty of Geosciences studies the Earth: from the Earth's core to its surface, including man's spatial and material utilisation of the Earth - always with a focus on sustainability and innovation. With 3,400 students (BSc and MSc) and 720 staff, the Faculty is a strong and challenging organisation. The Faculty of Geosciences is organised in four Departments: Earth Sciences, Human Geography & Spatial Planning, Physical Geography, and Sustainable Development.

The Copernicus Institute of Sustainable Development is part of the Faculty of Geosciences. The Institute offers an enthusiastic, dynamic working environment, and conducts research of high scientific quality and relevance for industrial stakeholders and governments in the national and international arena. 

As the science and knowledge service of the European Commission, the mission of DG Joint Research Centre (JRC) is to support EU policies with independent evidence throughout the whole policy cycle. The JRC is located in 5 Member States (Belgium, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and Spain). Further information is available at: http://www.jrc.ec.europa.eu.

The vacancy is within the Knowledge for the Energy Union Unit of Directorate C - Energy, Transport & Climate in Petten, the Netherlands, with a mission of providing, through knowledge management, scientific and technical support to EU policies related to the Energy Union strategy implementation, most notably on its research, innovation and competitiveness pillar. Our staff (about 50) is mainly based in Petten (NL).