Grid-Forming Wind Turbines for power system stability and resilience (PhD Renewable Energy). Ref: 5854

Supervisors

Dr. Shuyue Lin, University of Exeter, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

Dr Saptarshi Das, University of Exeter, Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy.

This PhD studentship in renewable energy focuses on grid-forming wind turbines and their role in enhancing power system stability and resilience. The project aims to explore innovative approaches to control, integration, and operation of wind energy within future low-inertia power systems, contributing to the development of reliable and sustainable energy networks. The University of Exeter’s Department of Engineering is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by department to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover UK and international tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in Renewable Energy group, Department of Engineering in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall.

This PhD studentship, based at the University of Exeter's Penryn Campus (Cornwall), offers an opportunity to conduct research at the intersection of wind energy, power systems, and advanced control, addressing engineering questions in how future electricity networks can remain stable and resilient as renewable generation grows. Grid-forming (GFM) control is increasingly recognised as a critical enabling technology for future low-inertia power systems, and wind energy, as one of the largest and fastest-growing sources of clean electricity, occupies a significant role in this transition. 

The integration of grid-forming wind turbines into power systems raises a broad set of interconnected questions, ranging from how individual turbines interact with the wider network to how large-scale wind generation can contribute to system-level services such as frequency regulation, voltage support, and fault recovery. Understanding and enabling these contributions is critical to ensuring that future power systems can operate securely under both normal and fault/disturbance conditions. In this project, you will investigate how GFM control can be applied to wind turbine systems to support the stability and resilience of power grids. The project is well-suited to students with backgrounds in electrical engineering, renewable energy, control engineering, or a closely related discipline, and can be tailored to your interests, whether you prefer system-level analysis, control design, simulation-based investigation, or a combination of these. 

The specific research direction will be developed in collaboration with the successful candidate, taking into account their skills and interests as well as emerging priorities in the field. The University of Exeter’s Department of Engineering is inviting applications for a PhD studentship funded by department to commence on 21 September 2026 or as soon as possible thereafter. For eligible students the studentship will cover UK and international tuition fees plus an annual tax-free stipend of at least £21,805 for 3.5 years full-time, or pro rata for part-time study. The student would be based in Renewable Energy group, Department of Engineering in the Faculty of Environment, Science and Economy at the Penryn Campus in Cornwall. The studentship will be awarded on the basis of academic merit. 

Students who pay international tuition fees are eligible to apply. However, please note that international applicants will need to cover additional costs, including Student visa fees, Immigration Health Surcharge, and relocation expenses associated with moving to the UK to undertake a PhD. 

Applicants should ensure they have sufficient funds to meet these costs before applying.

Entry requirements

Applicants for this studentship must have obtained, or be about to obtain, a First or Upper Second-Class UK Honours degree, or the equivalent qualifications gained outside the UK, in an appropriate area of electrical Engineering, renewable energy, or control engineering. If English is not your first language you will need to meet the English language requirements and provide proof of proficiency. Click here for more information.

How to apply

Apply now

To apply, please click the ‘Apply Now’ button above. In the application process you will be asked to upload several documents 

• CV 

• Letter of application (outlining your academic interests, prior research experience and reasons for wishing to undertake the project).

 • Research proposal (preferable but not required)

• Transcript(s) giving full details of subjects studied and grades/marks obtained (this should be an interim transcript if you are still studying) 

• Names of two referees familiar with your academic work. 

You are not required to obtain references yourself. We will request references directly from your referees if you are shortlisted. • If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country you will need to submit evidence of your proficiency in English.

 Interviews will be held online in the week commencing 29 June 2026. 

All application documents must be submitted in English. Certified translated copies of academic qualifications must also be provided. 

Please quote reference 5854 on your application and in any correspondence about this studentship.

Summary