PhD Position Economics of Industry Electrification

PhD Position Economics of Industry Electrification

Design, develop, and test (in the lab and the field) innovative economic mechanisms that unlock infrastructure capacity for industry electrification.

The rapid expansion of renewable energy is placing increasing strain on our existing energy infrastructure, creating a major obstacle to the electrification of industry. To overcome this, we need innovative solutions that unlock capacity at the edges of the grid.

This PhD project will focus on developing new economic and organizational models—such as energy hubs—that help industrial partners reduce their reliance on existing infrastructure. A key strategy is the development of local systems, including shared heat and electricity storage connected via microgrids. However, these shared systems raise important economic and governance challenges. For example: How can we incentivize industrial partners to invest in shared infrastructure without creating free-rider problems? How do we avoid the risks of natural monopolies in microgrid systems? What mechanisms can ensure ongoing investment in the maintenance and expansion of shared infrastructure?

You will apply economic theory to develop potential design solutions, test and refine them through behavioral lab experiments and our lab’s Large Language Model Simulation tool, and ultimately bring them into practice through field testing using serious gaming. You will not only contribute to academic theory but also explore and integrate innovative research methodologies.

You will conduct this research as part of the DEFLAME project, a cutting-edge initiative focused on enabling climate-neutral and resilient industrial heat systems through electrification. DEFLAME is a collaboration between major industry players, energy system operators, and top research institutions.

We want your work to make a real impact.

• Design economic and organizational mechanisms to address challenges around shared infrastructure in industrial contexts.
• Test your solutions using behavioral experiments in our lab and our cutting-edge LLM-based multi-actor simulation platform.
• Engage directly with industry leaders and experts through serious gaming sessions that help bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation.

During your PhD you will work together with Prof.Dr. Wijnand Veeneman, Dr.ir. Geertje Bekebrede, Dr. Sander Renes and Dr.ir. Rutger van Bergem. The DEFLAME consortium is led by Prof.Dr.ir.Macheld van den Broek.

Job requirements

• Master degree in economics, science, or engineering (must have been awarded by the agreed-upon starting date of the PhD).
• Ambition to work with controlled experiments in the IBEX lab (IBEX-lab |).
• Ambition to “get out there” and engage with industry stakeholders by means of serious games (Gamelab).
• Strong communication and teamwork abilities, as you will need to collaborate with researchers and practitioners.
• Reliable, independent, and organized, with a commitment to meeting deadlines.
• Language Proficiency: Fluency in English and Dutch (Dutch proficiency is a pre).

TU Delft

Delft University of Technology is built on strong foundations. As creators of the world-famous Dutch waterworks and pioneers in biotech, TU Delft is a top international university combining science, engineering and design. It delivers world class results in education, research and innovation to address challenges in the areas of energy, climate, mobility, health and digital society. For generations, our engineers have proven to be entrepreneurial problem-solvers, both in business and in a social context.

At TU Delft we embrace diversity as one of our core values and we actively engage to be a university where you feel at home and can flourish. We value different perspectives and qualities. We believe this makes our work more innovative, the TU Delft community more vibrant and the world more just. Together, we imagine, invent and create solutions using technology to have a positive impact on a global scale. That is why we invite you to apply. Your application will receive fair consideration.

Challenge. Change. Impact!

Faculty Technology, Policy and Management

The Faculty of TPM provides an important contribution to solving complex technical-social issues, such as energy transition, mobility, digitalisation, water management and (cyber) security. TPM does this with its excellent education and research at the intersection of technology, society and policy. We combine insights from both engineering and social sciences as well as the humanities. TPM develops robust models and designs, is internationally oriented and has an extensive network of knowledge institutions, companies, social organisations and governments.

Conditions of employment

Doctoral candidates will be offered a 4-year period of employment in principle, but in the form of 2 employment contracts. An initial 1.5 year contract with an official go/no go progress assessment within 15 months. Followed by an additional contract for the remaining 2.5 years assuming everything goes well and performance requirements are met.

Salary and benefits are in accordance with the Collective Labour Agreement for Dutch Universities, increasing from €2901 per month in the first year to €3707 in the fourth year. As a PhD candidate you will be enrolled in the TU Delft Graduate School. The TU Delft Graduate School provides an inspiring research environment with an excellent team of supervisors, academic staff and a mentor. The Doctoral Education Programme is aimed at developing your transferable, discipline-related and research skills.

The TU Delft offers a customisable compensation package, discounts on health insurance, and a monthly work costs contribution. Flexible work schedules can be arranged.

Will you need to relocate to the Netherlands for this job? TU Delft is committed to make your move as smooth as possible! The HR unit offers information to help you prepare your relocation. In addition, events are organised to help you settle in the Netherlands, and expand your (social) network in Delft. A Dual Career Programme is available, to support your accompanying partner with their job search in the Netherlands.

Additional information

For more information about this vacancy, please contact Dr.ir. Rutger van Bergem; r.vanbergem@tudelft.nl and / or Dr. Sander Renes; s.renes-1@tudelft.nl.