Chippenham renewable electricity supplier Good Energy is paying for a PhD studentship into the study of solar and wind power at Birkbeck, University of London.

Student Marit Stromberg is analysing the potential of solar and wind resources in the UK to meet future rising energy demands as part of the pioneering partnership between academia and industry.

The research project, worth more than £20,000 a year for four years, is addressing some of the most pressing environmental issues of the day, including the generation and distribution of renewable energy.

It is the first time a company has sponsored a PhD studentship at Birkbeck, which is ranked among the top one per cent of universities in the world, and is paid for entirely by Good Energy, a 100 per cent renewable electricity supplier.

Ms Stromberg, who is Swedish, is studying at Birkbeck’s Department of Geography, Environment and Development Studies.

She said: “This studentship gives me the chance to study some of the most challenging questions of our time.

"There is enormous potential for solar and wind power, and I want to help gather the evidence to show how we can make a sustainable future a reality.”

Juliet Davenport OBE, chief executive and founder of Good Energy, said: “It’s great to hear how far Marit is progressing with her work, particularly her research into the best renewable ‘mix’ and how solar and wind power can make a substantial contribution to our overall energy needs.

“Good Energy has always believed that renewables offer a better long-term solution to our energy requirements, and Marit’s research will help us identify the most effective type of wind and solar developments.”

Ms Davenport developed her own economic thinking and her passion for her renewable energy business after she studied an MSc in economics at Birkbeck (1992-1994).