Funding

Self-funded

Project code

SCS10520529

Department

School of Civil Engineering and Surveying

Start dates

October, February and April

Application deadline

Applications accepted all year round

Applications are invited for a self-funded, 3 year full-time or 6-year part-time PhD project.  

The PhD will be based in the School of Civil Engineering and will be supervised by Dr Ayokunle Olanipekun.

 

Data centres generate large quantities of waste heat, most of which is currently unused, while UK cities continue to face major challenges in decarbonising heat. This PhD project examines how waste heat from data centres can be practically integrated into urban heat networks, focusing on technical feasibility, economic performance, and whole‑life costs. The research will assess heat recovery systems, temperature upgrading technologies (such as heat pumps), and network integration strategies under UK operating conditions. Using real‑world case studies, the project will evaluate capital and operational costs, long‑term value, and comparative performance against conventional heat sources. The project is well suited to candidates interested in energy systems, low‑carbon infrastructure, cost modelling, and the practical delivery of Net Zero solutions at city scale 

 

The work on this project will include:

  • Analysis of the potential for reusing data centre waste heat to support the decarbonisation of urban heating in the UK
  • Evaluation of technical performance alongside capital and operational costs under realistic system and market conditions
  • Assessment of long‑term economic value, incorporating installation, operation, maintenance, and replacement costs
  • Use of representative UK urban contexts to ensure relevance to national infrastructure and energy policy priorities
  • Integration of energy systems engineering, cost modelling, and infrastructure planning methodologies

 

The growth of data centres in the UK has led to a substantial increase in the generation of low‑grade waste heat, which is largely released unused into the environment. At the same time, the decarbonisation of space and water heating remains a significant challenge for UK cities, where heating demand is still predominantly met by fossil fuels. This PhD project investigates the potential role of data centre waste heat as a low‑carbon heat source for urban heat networks, with a particular focus on technical feasibility, economic viability, and whole‑life cost performance.

The research will examine how waste heat from data centres can be captured, upgraded, and integrated into existing or planned district heating systems. Key technical challenges, such as temperature compatibility, system efficiency, reliability, and integration with heat pumps and network infrastructure, will be assessed under UK operating conditions. Alongside this, a detailed techno‑economic analysis will be undertaken to quantify capital costs, operational costs, and cost per unit of heat delivered, and to compare data centre waste heat solutions with conventional heat network technologies.

A key component of the project is whole‑life costing analysis, considering not only upfront investment but also long‑term operational, maintenance, replacement, and decommissioning costs. Case‑study analysis of representative UK urban settings will be used to ensure practical relevance and policy alignment. The project will provide evidence‑based insights into the conditions under which data centre waste heat can contribute cost effectively to low‑carbon heat networks, supporting decision making for infrastructure planning, investment, and delivery in the UK energy transition.

 

 

Fees and funding

Visit the research subject area page for fees and funding information for this project.

Funding Availability: Self-funded PhD students only.

PhD full-time and part-time courses are eligible for the UK Government Doctoral Loan (UK and EU students only - eligibility criteria apply).

Bench fees

Some PhD projects may include additional fees – known as bench fees – for equipment and other consumables, and these will be added to your standard tuition fee. Speak to the supervisory team during your interview about any additional fees you may have to pay. Please note, bench fees are not eligible for discounts and are non-refundable. 

Entry requirements

You'll need a good first degree from an internationally recognised university (minimum upper second class or equivalent, depending on your chosen course) or a Master’s degree in Civil Engineering or a related area. In exceptional cases, we may consider equivalent professional experience and/or Qualifications.

English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.

International students will require a study visa from UKVI to pursue the degree in the UK. If the research is in a sensitive or technological subject, the student may also need to secure an Academic Technology Approval Scheme (ATAS) certificate from the UK Foreign Office.

 

 

You’ll have a background in energy systems, thermal engineering, building services engineering, or infrastructure studies. An interest in low‑carbon heating, district or heat networks, and sustainable energy infrastructure. Some familiarity with technical or economic analysis, such as performance modelling, cost estimation, or lifecycle assessment. The ability to work with quantitative data and undertake structured analytical research.

 

Experience with one or more of the following would be advantageous but not essential:

  • Techno‑economic analysis, cost modelling, or whole‑life costing.
  • Heat pumps, district heating, or industrial waste heat recovery.
  • Energy, construction, or infrastructure‑related data analysis.
  • Relevant software tools (e.g. spreadsheets, modelling or simulation tools).

 

How to apply

We’d encourage you to contact Dr Ayokunle Olanipekun ([email protected]) to discuss your interest before you apply, quoting the project code.

When you are ready to apply, please follow the 'Apply now' link on the Civil Engineering PhD subject area page and select the link for the relevant intake.. Make sure you submit a personal statement, proof of your degrees and grades, details of two referees, proof of your English language proficiency and an up-to-date CV.  Our ‘How to Apply’ page offers further guidance on the PhD application process.

When applying please quote project code SCS10520529.