Holistic investigation on the effective and safe use of Energy Piles (EPs) for Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) in the UK and development of practical tools to guide its adoption

Heating and cooling account for around 40% of the UK’s energy demand, with decarbonisation in dense urban areas remaining a major challenge. Energy piles (EP), structural foundation elements equipped with heat exchange pipes, are widely used in the UK and offer a cost-effective implementation of shallow geothermal energy systems. Despite their proven effectiveness, their potential for Underground Thermal Energy Storage (UTES) has not yet been realised, largely due to uncertainties surrounding thermo-mechanical behaviour and subsurface condition uncertainties.

This PhD project will investigate how Energy Piles can be effectively and safely used for Underground Thermal Energy Storage in the UK, unlocking their currently underutilised potential to support low-carbon heating and cooling in dense urban environments. The research will develop and validate advanced thermo-hydro-mechanical numerical models to assess thermal performance, structural response, and long-term stability under seasonal storage operation. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses will identify key parameters controlling feasibility and risk, enabling the definition of safe operating conditions and representative deployment scenarios across the UK.

The project will deliver practical outputs for industry, including feasibility maps, design guidance, and a fast-running tool to support decision-making for EP-UTES. This studentship will be an opportunity for a motivated doctoral student to gain significant experience in the field of shallow geothermal energy technologies and develop skills in finite element modelling, thermal-hydraulic-mechanical processes, programming, uncertainty propagation, statistical analyses, and machine learning, among others. The development of strong international collaboration and engagement with industry-led research networks will enable the transition to a highly skilled researcher, capable of contributing to the decarbonisation of urban heating and cooling systems.

To get the most out of this PhD opportunity, you will need to be interested in learning about and undertaking computational activities, such as numerical modelling and programming. Previous knowledge of a programming language, such as Python or MATLAB will be beneficial, however, a willingness to learn is the most crucial component. A passion for sustainability and using engineering judgement and critical thinking towards enabling more sustainable infrastructure are highly desirable.

Open to candidates who pay UK/home rate fees. See UKCISA for further information.