Degree type
PhD
Closing date
1 June 2025
Campus
Launceston
Citizenship requirement
Domestic
About the research project
The global energy landscape is undergoing a significant transformation, driven by the urgent need to address climate change and reduce reliance on fossil fuels. Hydrogen has emerged as a promising alternative energy carrier due to its high energy density and environmentally friendly properties. It is seen as a key component in achieving net-zero carbon emissions proposed by many countries.
While significant research has been conducted on hydrogen production, the storage and transportation sectors have received comparatively less attention. There is a need for more studies focusing on the development of efficient, safe, and cost-effective storage and transportation methods. Furthermore, current research often addresses uncertainties affecting the entire hydrogen supply chain or specific sectors like production. However, there is a gap in understanding how these uncertainties impact storage and transportation. More research is needed to identify and mitigate risks specific to these sectors. Therefore, this project aims to investigate the hydrogen supply chains thoroughly from the logistics perspective such as operation, conditions and risks in the logistics process. Further, the strategic planning and operational logistics required to build and maintain hydrogen refuelling stations, storage facilities, and transportation networks. At last, although hydrogen is considered a clean energy carrier, the environmental impacts of its supply chain processes are not fully understood. More research is needed to assess and mitigate the environmental footprint from the logistics operation perspective in terms of hydrogen storage and transportation.
This project aims to fill the research gaps above and meet the industry demand in the logistics operation of the hydrogen supply chains by developing efficient, safe and cost-effective storage and transportation methods, identifying and mitigating risks specific to these sectors, and assessing and mitigating the environmental footprint of logistics operations in hydrogen supply chains.
Primary Supervisor
Funding
Applicants will be considered for a Research Training Program (RTP) scholarship or Tasmania Graduate Research Scholarship (TGRS) which, if successful, provides:
- a living allowance stipend of $33,511 per annum (2025 rate, indexed annually) for 3.5 years
- a relocation allowance of up to $2,000
- a tuition fees offset covering the cost of tuition fees for up to four years (domestic applicants only)
If successful, international applicants will receive a University of Tasmania Fees Offset for up to four years.
As part of the application process you may indicate if you do not wish to be considered for scholarship funding.
Other funding opportunities and fees
For further information regarding other scholarships on offer, and the various fees of undertaking a research degree, please visit Scholarships and fees.
Eligibility
Applicants should review the Higher Degree by Research minimum entry requirements.
Ensure your eligibility for the scholarship round by referring to our Key Dates.
Selection Criteria
The project is competitively assessed and awarded. Selection is based on academic merit and suitability to the project as determined by the College.
Additional essential selection criteria specific to this project:
- Demonstrated ability to conduct independent research, including experience with research methodologies, data collection, and analysis
- Strong analytical skills and the ability to interpret complex data
Additional desirable selection criteria specific to this project:
- Understanding of hydrogen production, storage, and transportation technologies
- Familiarity with logistics and supply chain management principles and practices
- Prior experience in logistics, supply chain management, or a related field, either through professional work or academic projects
- Experience with modelling and simulation tools, as well as optimization techniques, is highly desirable
Application process
- Select your project, and check that you meet the eligibility and selection criteria, including citizenship;
- Contact Dr Vera Zhang to discuss your suitability and the project's requirements; and
- In your application:
- Copy and paste the title of the project from this advertisement into your application. If you don’t correctly do this your application may be rejected.
- Submit a signed supervisory support form, a CV including contact details of 2 referees and your project research proposal.
- Apply prior to 1 June 2025.
Full details of the application process can be found under the 'How to apply' section at Research degrees.
Following the closing date applications will be assessed within the College. Applicants should expect to receive notification of the outcome by email by the advertised outcome date.
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