Sustainable Futures/Climate Change, Sustainability and Society
PhD Researcher in Sustainable Futures (ESRC/NERC +3)
School of Geographical Studies, University of Bristol
Start date: September 2017
Research topic: The geography of local energy and its role in the energy transition
My research seeks to determine the role of local energy actors in the spatial diffusion of solar photovoltaics, and their contribution to overcoming the energy trilemma of energy security, energy affordability (and equity) and environmental sustainability. Spatial analysis will identify factors associated with the uptake of small-scale solar at various geographical scales, reflecting energy governance as multi-scalar. This spatial work will inform a subsequent case study approach, which will assess local energy’s current role in the energy system and how this might evolve in the future.
Research supervisors: Dr Jo House (Bristol), Dr Peter Connor (Exeter), Professor Rich Harris (Bristol)
Professional memberships/Positions held:
British Institute of Energy Economics – Student Member
Bristol Futures – Mentor
Email: sam.collier@bristol.ac.uk