Ph.D. - Renewable Energy

The Ph.D. in Renewable Energy at UPES School of Advanced Engineering is a comprehensive program designed to equip candidates with a deep understanding of renewable energy technologies, policies, and their environmental impacts. The program structure balances teaching components, coursework, and original research to foster a holistic development of candidates. Teaching responsibilities are integral to the program, with candidates engaging in teaching assistantships to gain practical experience in leading lab sessions, grading assignments, and potentially contributing to lectures. As candidates progress, they have the opportunity for independent teaching under faculty mentorship, enhancing their pedagogical skills. Mentorship activities involving guidance to undergraduate and junior graduate students contribute to the development of effective educators.

The coursework is carefully curated, covering core areas of renewable energy such as solar, wind, bioenergy, hydropower, and geothermal energy. Additionally, candidates delve into energy policy, economics, advanced mathematics, physics, and technology courses related to renewable energy systems. Interdisciplinary courses in fields like environmental science, engineering, or policy provide a well-rounded perspective. Research methods instruction prepares candidates for original research, and ethics in research is emphasized to ensure responsible conduct.

The culmination of the program lies in the research project and dissertation. Candidates conduct original research contributing new knowledge to the field. Extensive work on dissertation development, including literature review, proposal writing, and experimental analysis, prepares candidates for the dissertation defense. The defense, a final milestone, involves presenting the research, addressing committee questions, and showcasing a profound understanding of renewable energy. The program not only fosters academic expertise but also instills practical skills essential for future leaders in the renewable energy domain.

• The Ph.D. program in Renewable Energy spans 3 to 5 years, offering students a comprehensive research experience. Participants will receive a generous monthly stipend of up to ₹30,000, supporting their academic pursuits throughout the program.
• Enabling a broad spectrum of scholarly activities, the stipend can be utilized for national and international conference participation, procurement of research materials, field research endeavors, publication expenses, and more, fostering a dynamic and enriched research environment.
• The Electrical Cluster boasts a state-of-the-art Renewable Energy Lab, featuring advanced facilities for solar photovoltaic systems, bio-fuel, fuel cells, battery testing, and charge-controlling units. This infrastructure supports both experimental and simulation studies, providing a hands-on approach to research.
• The Electrical Cluster is equipped with essential software tools such as Power-Factory, MATLAB, PSCad, ETAP, and Thermal Power Plant simulator. These resources empower Ph.D. scholars to conduct simulations, enhancing the depth and quality of their research work.
• The Ph.D. in Renewable Energy program emphasizes experimental and simulation studies in the field of renewable energy. Ph.D. scholars benefit from mentorship by esteemed faculty experts from renowned institutions such as IITs, NITs, and top QS ranking universities, ensuring a high-quality and globally relevant research experience.
• Facilitating interdisciplinary research, the program encourages collaboration between scholars and faculty experts, fostering a diverse and innovative research ecosystem. This approach enables a holistic exploration of renewable energy solutions and technologies.

The Ph.D. program in Renewable Energy at UPES School of Advanced Engineering aims to cultivate a cadre of scholars and researchers equipped with advanced knowledge and skills in the field. The program's primary education objectives include fostering a deep understanding of sustainable energy systems, encouraging innovative research in renewable energy technologies, and nurturing the ability to address complex challenges in the realm of energy sustainability. Graduates of this program are expected to contribute significantly to advancements in renewable energy through cutting-edge research, technology development, and policy formulation. Additionally, the program emphasizes the development of critical thinking, effective communication, and collaborative skills to prepare scholars for leadership roles in academia, industry, and research institutions, thereby making a substantial impact on the global transition towards cleaner and more sustainable energy solutions.

A Ph.D. in Renewable Energy equips individuals with comprehensive expertise crucial for tackling environmental and energy challenges. The dynamic and evolving nature of the renewable energy sector presents numerous opportunities for Ph.D. graduates. Key areas include contributing to technological advancements in solar, wind, and energy storage for enhanced efficiency and sustainability. Energy storage solutions, grid integration, and smart grid operations are pivotal, addressing the increasing incorporation of RE sources into the grid. Scholars can influence energy policies, market design, and regulatory frameworks, impacting the sector's growth. Sustainable bioenergy research and exploration of offshore wind and ocean energy offer promising avenues. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) and electrification research contribute to evolving energy landscapes. Transactive energy management and international collaboration are essential in reducing grid dependency and engaging in global initiatives. As the sector expands, environmental impact assessment research becomes vital for ensuring sustainable development. Overall, a Ph.D. in Renewable Energy propels individuals towards shaping the future of clean and sustainable energy, directly linked to addressing climate change challenges.

With a Ph.D. in Renewable Energy, individuals possess specialised knowledge and research skills, opening diverse career paths. In Research and Development (R&D), they contribute to innovation and technology advancements. Academia beckons, with opportunities to become professors or lecturers. Energy Industry and Project Management roles involve overseeing renewable energy projects, providing expert advice, and ensuring successful implementation. Entrepreneurship and Energy Consulting allow for the creation of businesses focused on renewable energy solutions. Collaboration with international organizations addresses global challenges. Roles in Energy Economics, Environmental Compliance, Smart Grid, Electric Vehicles, Energy Storage, and AI and Machine Learning applications offer dynamic avenues for Ph.D. scholars in Renewable Energy.