Institution: Faculty of Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Mons (Belgium)
Duration: 4 years (48 months of contractual doctoral candidate salary), starting September 1, 2024
Start Date: September 2024
Application Deadline: May 30, 2024
Project Overview:
The ILES Portfolio (Integrated Local Energy Systems) aligns with Priority 6 of the FEDER-FTJ programming: A Wallonia oriented towards a just transition, specifically targeting Measure 21 and the field of technological solutions for Energy Communities. This project includes the development of innovative technologies for energy conversion and storage and demonstrations in emulated environments of technological couplings (e.g., energy conversion-storage or conversion/CO2 capture). It also involves creating digital tools and methodologies for integrating energy systems within energy-sharing communities, with real-world demonstrations planned.
PhD Thesis Objectives:
- Conduct Spatial Analysis at Various Scales: Analyze energy demand across different territorial and temporal scales. This includes data collection on types of buildings, considering energy supply sources (renewables, waste energies, etc.), and prospective timelines while accounting for demographic pressures and urban renovation phases.
- Provide Holistic and Cross-disciplinary Diagnostics: Examine energy flows, the capacities of existing networks, and align consumer and producer profiles to offer comprehensive, interdisciplinary system diagnostics.
- Evaluate Strategic Energy Planning Decisions: Objectively assess and present urban energy planning strategies through scenario evaluation for both short (2030 horizon) and long-term (2050) outlooks using simulation techniques and multi-criteria/parametric analysis.
- Facilitate Techno-Economic Community Sizing: Use adapted design tools to technically and economically size communities considering urban constraints and optimization trajectories.
- Develop Dynamic Cartographic Studies: Perform dynamic and forward-looking cartographic studies to continuously assess needs tailored to urban, technological, political, economic, and societal contexts. This includes defining energy needs based on building use and typology, and spatial-temporal, socio-economic, and geopolitical criteria, at both building and neighborhood scales.
Selection Criteria:
- Academic Quality: Candidate’s CV.
- Motivation.
- Previous Experience: Including publications, internships, etc.
Candidate Profile:
- Qualifications: Engineer Architect, Urban Planner, or Architect required.
- Language Proficiency: Preferably fluent in French and a good command of English.
Application Process:
Candidates should submit their application in electronic format (single PDF file) to Sesil KOUTRA (sesil.koutra@umons.ac.be) by May 30, 2024. The application packet must include:
- Detailed CV.
- Master’s Degree Certificate or Proof of Master’s Degree Completion (or equivalent). If the Master’s degree (or equivalent) is in progress, at least the transcript for the first semester must be provided.
- Letters of Recommendation (optional, up to two).
Thesis Language:
The thesis can be conducted in either French or English.
Further Information:
For more details, contact sesil.koutra@umons.ac.be
