Publisert: 08.12.21

About the position

This PhD project is part of the recently started research project: ‘Hydrogen Pathways 2050 - Transition of the Norwegian society and value creation from export’ (Hydrogen Pathways 2050) that has as aim to understand how hydrogen can contribute with sector coupling, how hydrogen can serve as a flexibility provider and how hydrogen can be an export product for Norway in the future. The Project is together with research partners IFE and SINTEF as well as active industry partners: Equinor, Gassco, Statkraft and others. It is a knowledge building project funded by the Research Council of Norway, its central objective is to study the role of hydrogen in transition pathways towards zero emission society by understanding its effect as point of coupling between transport, industry, and energy. 

A transition towards a net zero emissions, implies not only enormous changes to the energy system, but also induces similar radical structural changes to a number of other sectors. In order to calculate the GDP and welfare distribution effects of the pathways, the PhD position will actively use economic models and energy system models.  The PhD position will co-develop a new modelling framework to represent a broader scope of the energy-economic system. Here, the modelling of the economy will be done by the Computational General Equilibrium (CGE) model developed by NTNU. This will be combined with an energy system model that provides feedback (e.g, technology mix in the power sector) to the CGE model. The iterations and interaction between these two models will provide in-depth analysis on the infrastructure needs, for the power grid and associated flexible resources, natural-gas pipelines utilized for hydrogen

export, and the impact or complement to other technologies (e.g. CCS).

Duties of the position

• Conduct original scientific research relevant to the research topic above
• Publish and disseminate research results obtained in a suitable and timely manner
• The candidate must engage in the Hydrogen Pathways project activities as required
• Complete mandatory coursework during the initial part of the employment period
• Meet with and plan research tasks in collaboration with relevant research and industrial partners from the Hydrogen Pathways project

Qualification requirements

• A relevant master’s degree in industrial engineering, energy economics or operations research area, preferably with knowledge in energy system modelling. A master’s degree in industrial ecology (e.g. inputs-outputs analysis) or electric power engineering could also be relevant if the candidate has additional competence in economics.  The qualification requirement is completion of a master’s degree or second degree (equivalent to 120 credits) with a strong academic background with a grade of B or better in terms of NTNU’s grading scale. Applicants with no letter grades from previous studies must have an equally good academic foundation. Applicants who are unable to meet these criteria may be considered only if they can document that they are particularly suitable candidates for education leading to a PhD-degree.
• The position requires excellent English oral and writing skills.

In addition, the following qualifications will contribute positively to the evaluation of the applicant:

• Documented knowledge of economic equilibrium models and optimization models.
• Basic understanding of energy systems, power system flexibility and sector coupling (multi-carrier energy systems). Knowledge in energy transition challenges in transport and industry is an advantage.
• Proficiency in at least one programming language, e.g. C++, Matlab Java, Python or Julia.

Recent graduates, or applicants who are in the final stage of their Master’s program, are encouraged to apply. Such an applicant may be offered the position under the condition that the diploma will show satisfactory final term results.

Please find more information here: https://www.jobbnorge.no/ledige-stillinger/stilling/216778

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Om IØT

Profil

Department of Industrial Economics and Technology Management

IØT has challenging and inspiring educational programmes and research projects in the cross-disciplinary field of technology management. Through its programmes of study, IØT educates candidates with a solid technological basis in methodology and theory on how to develop and manage technologically based organisations.

Research

Participation in, and development of, research projects in close co-operation with Norwegian industry, the department is also developing models, tools and methods for how to manage Norwegian industry.