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Institution: Norwegian University of Science and Technology
Location: Trondheim, Norway
Department: Department of Electric Energy (IEL)
Research Group: Power System Operation and Analysis (PSOA)
Supervisor: Professor Kjetil Obstfelder Uhlen
Project: Coordination Framework for Voltage and Reactive Power Control in the Nordic Power Grid (CoordQ)
Deadline: 16 March 2026
Program Overview: Electric Power Engineering and Power System Stability
This fully funded PhD position focuses on coordinated voltage control, reactive power optimization, and power system stability within the Nordic transmission grid.
The research is part of the CoordQ project, a collaborative initiative between:
- Norwegian University of Science and Technology
- University of South-Eastern Norway
The project aims to develop advanced frameworks for voltage regulation, reactive power coordination, and grid stability enhancement, particularly in power systems integrating renewable energy sources.
Research Focus Areas
The PhD research lies at the intersection of:
- Power system stability and control
- Voltage and reactive power management
- Smart grid optimization
- Renewable energy integration (hydropower, wind, solar)
- Grid utilization efficiency and loss reduction
- Transmission system reliability
The framework will enable co-optimization of reactive power reserves from:
- Hydropower generators
- Inverter-based renewable sources
- Flexible AC transmission devices such as SVCs and STATCOMs
The objective is to increase grid utilization, enhance voltage stability margins, and reduce transmission losses in the Nordic power system.
Academic Field Classification
Broad Field: Engineering and Technology
Primary Field: Electrical Engineering
Specialization: Electric Power Engineering
Subfields Include:
- Power Systems Engineering
- Power System Operation and Analysis
- Control Systems Engineering
- Renewable Energy Systems
- Smart Grid Technologies
Required Academic Background
Applicants must hold a Master’s degree in:
- Electric Power Engineering
- Electrical Engineering (with power systems focus)
- Equivalent five-year engineering program
Strong knowledge of:
- Power system modeling and analysis
- Control theory and stability analysis
- Python programming (or equivalent language)
Doctoral Responsibilities
The PhD candidate will:
- Conduct high-quality research in coordinated voltage and reactive power control
- Complete coursework equivalent to 30 ECTS
- Publish in peer-reviewed journals
- Present at international conferences
- Collaborate with grid operators and industry partners
- Potentially contribute to teaching and laboratory supervision
Employment Details
- 3-year full-time PhD contract
- Possible extension (3–12 months) for career-enhancing activities
- Annual gross salary: NOK 550,800 (PhD Candidate code 1017)
- Membership in the Norwegian Public Service Pension Fund (SPK)
- Access to mentoring programs and PhD social activities
- Free basic Norwegian language training
Summary: Which Field Does It Belong To?
This PhD position lies primarily in:
Electric Power Engineering (Electrical Engineering)
More specifically, it focuses on:
Power System Stability, Voltage Control, and Reactive Power Optimization in Modern Power Grids.
It is a highly technical engineering research position centered on advanced power systems analysis and control in renewable-integrated transmission networks.
Apply now at : PhD Candidate in coordinated voltage control and stability (295927) | NTNU – Norwegian University of Science and Technology
