PhD — Energy Engineering
A PhD in Energy Engineering is inherently interdisciplinary. Where a PhD in Electrical Engineering goes deep into the physics and mathematics of power systems, a PhD in Energy Engineering spans the full stack of the energy transition — technology, economics, policy, and sustainability. These notes document the coursework, research, and literature covering this broader domain.
Components of a PhD Program
Advanced Coursework
Graduate courses spanning multiple disciplines:
- Energy Systems Analysis
- Energy Economics & Policy
- Renewable Energy Technology
- Grid Integration of Variable Renewables
- Energy Storage Systems
- Life Cycle Assessment
- Energy Finance and Investment
- Climate Science and Policy
Research Methodology
Multi-disciplinary research methods: systems modeling, techno-economic analysis, policy analysis, optimization under uncertainty.
Literature Review
Key journals: Nature Energy, Joule, Energy Policy, Applied Energy, Renewable and Sustainable Energy Reviews, Energy Economics.
Research Tools
Python (PyPSA, pandapower, pvlib, NREL tools), PLEXOS, HOMER, SAM (System Advisor Model), GAMS/AMPL for optimization. LaTeX.
Thesis / Dissertation
Original interdisciplinary research contribution. Must span more than a single discipline — typically engineering + economics, or engineering + policy.
Potential Research Areas
- Optimal planning of distribution systems with high renewable penetration
- Techno-economic analysis of energy storage deployment strategies
- Policy design for accelerating DER adoption in regulated markets
- Resilience valuation of microgrids in underserved communities
- Integration of demand flexibility into distribution system operations
- Carbon pricing impacts on utility investment decisions
Intersection with Other Domains
Energy Engineering research uniquely sits at the crossroads of:
Engineering ──────── How do these systems work and how do we optimize them?
Economics ────────── What do they cost and how are incentives structured?
Policy ────────── What rules govern deployment and market participation?
Data & AI ────────── How do we model, forecast, and optimize at scale?
Key Questions These Notes Answer
- How do I conduct a techno-economic analysis of a battery storage project?
- What policy mechanisms are most effective at accelerating renewable deployment?
- How do I model a regional power system to study renewable integration?
- What is the social cost of carbon and how is it estimated?
- How do I design research that spans engineering and economics?
Prerequisites
Connects To
- PhD — Electrical Engineering
- MIT Sloan MBA — economics and strategy
- Technical Consulting — research-to-practice