PhD Position in Process Simulation and Techno-Economic Optimization of Large-Scale Power-to-X Systems

The Center for Life Cycle Engineering at the Department of Green Technology , University of Southern Denmark (SDU), invites applications for a 3-year PhD position focusing on process simulation, techno-economic assessment, and optimization of large-scale Power-to-X (PtX) systems for the production of renewable fuels and chemicals. The preferred start date is February 1, 2027. The application deadline is November 30, 2026, at 11:59 PM/23:59 (CET/CEST) Job Description The PhD position is part of SDU Life Cycle Engineering's research activities on PtX technologies, renewable fuel production, sector coupling, and the transition toward climate-neutral energy systems. PtX technologies are expected to play an important role in decarbonizing hard-to-abate sectors by converting renewable electricity into synthetic fuels, and chemicals. However, their large-scale deployment requires efficient process design, effective integration with local energy system and biomass availability, and economically competitive operation under variable renewable electricity supply and changing market conditions. The PhD project aims to develop and apply advanced process simulation and techno-economic optimization frameworks for large-scale PtX systems. A central focus will be on linking detailed process simulations with techno-economic models to evaluate alternative process configurations, identify opportunities for sector coupling, and optimize technology capacities and operating conditions. The project will also investigate how electricity prices, renewable electricity availability, hydrogen, biogas and CO 2 supply, and process flexibility influence the economic performance of industrial-scale PtX facilities. The research will combine process simulation tools, particularly Aspen Plus, with computational modelling and optimization approaches. The successful candidate will contribute to ongoing national and international research projects and collaborate with academic and industrial partners working on PtX technologies and sustainable energy systems. SDU Life Cycle Engineering The successful candidate will be affiliated with SDU Life Cycle Engineering (SDU LCE) at the University of Southern Denmark's main campus in Odense. SDU LCE is a rapidly expanding research center with a strong international profile in net-zero transitions and sustainable energy systems. The center conducts research on integrated energy system design, renewable energy integration, PtX technologies, carbon...

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