Danny Coles PhD MEng

Danny completed his MEng in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Manchester in 2011. After graduating he worked for 18 months in the solar industry, before completing a PhD in hydrodynamic modelling from the University of Southampton in 2016. Subsequently he won an EPSRC Doctoral Prize to undertake tidal turbine array optimisation research at Imperial College London as a Research Associate. Between 2017-2020 Danny moved into industry, working in Analyst roles for the tidal stream energy developer SIMEC Atlantis Energy, and the wind owner/operator Ventient Energy (now Nadara). He returned to academia in 2021 as Senior Research Fellow at the University of Plymouth, where he worked on the Tidal Stream Industry Energiser project (TIGER). He started as a Senior Research Associate at the University of Oxford in January 2025.

Danny’s primary research interest is in energy system modelling and optimisation. He has a particular interest in understanding the potential role(s) of offshore renewable energy in the transition to net-zero energy systems. He is undertaking this research in collaboration with key stakeholders including the National Energy System Operator and UK Government Department for Energy Security and Net Zero.

Danny’s secondary research interest is in tidal stream energy resource assessment and array optimisation. His work investigates the energy that can be extracted from tidal sites around the world, and the multi-objective optimisation of turbine arrays to consider conflicting objectives, such as energy extraction, cost of energy and environmental impact.

Marine energy OptimiSAtion for system securIty enhanCement (MOSAIC)

MOSAIC investigates the role(s) of tidal stream, tidal range and wave energy in overcoming energy security challenges as the UK transitions to a net-zero energy system.

Danny's research was discussed in a House of Commons debate on funding for tidal stream energy.

His work has also featured in articles published by the BBC, The Guardian, New Scientist and The Conversation, and a TEDx talk on energy systems.