Royal visit

Crown Prince Frederik impressed with DTU research

DTU is known for its role in the green transition. HRH The Crown Prince on Monday got a firsthand look at some of the most promising research.

With Crown Prince Frederik's full support, Danish know-how is to be widely spread.

Wednesday 06 April 2022

Nasrin Billie

DTU's researchers are key players in the green transition. This was the message from Crown Prince Frederik, who together with Minister of Climate Dan Jørgensen on Monday was given a tour of DTU's campus in Lyngby with presentations from a number of researchers on smart energy systems and digitalisation, batteries, power-to-x and carbon capture. Solutions that are essential for Denmark's green transition.

"It was a great pleasure to hear about the green technologies. The world-class research at DTU makes me proud of being a Dane," said Crown Prince Frederik about the tour, which was arranged on the occasion of a new report from the UN Climate Panel, IPCC.

The report focuses on possible technologies, which can counteract climate change. And these were precisely some of the technologies Crown Prince Frederik visited DTU to hear more about.
Professors Jacob Østergaard and Marie Münster gave presentations on digital energy systems based on renewable energy in the control room at PowerLabDK.
Professor Jacob Østergaard and Professor Marie Münster gave presentations on digital energy systems based on renewable energy in the control room at PowerLabDK. Photo: Mikal Schlosser.

Bringing Danish know-how to the world

Professor Jacob Østergaard and Professor Marie Münster gave presentations on digital energy systems based on renewable energy in the control room at PowerLabDK, while Professor Tejs Vegge told the Crown Prince about research into new and greener batteries in DTU's Electrical Vehicle Lab.

After this, Associate Professor Philip Fosbøl presented a model of a carbon capture plant in a 700 m2 experimental hall with laboratories and workshops, while the tour ended with a presentation of technologies involved in Power-to-X by Professor Peter Vesborg.

The researchers came up with very concrete examples of how DTU is already researching the technologies that can counteract climate change. This led to many relevant follow-up questions from Crown Prince Frederik, who with great interest closely studied the technologies he was presented with.

“We have an obligation to share the extensive knowledge, that we have developed through research in Denmark. We need to showcase what we can do and how good we are at it. These are truly groundbreaking technologies,” he said before continuing:

"Of course it's fun to see something that is very hands-on and with handles that can be turned. It's nice to view the actual hardware. Software development is much talked about, and what we have seen today is heavy engineering, but that does not make it any less relevant.”

The Crown Prince asked Professor Tejs Vegge about the new materials that can be used in the development of more sustainable batteries for electric cars.
The Crown Prince asked Professor Tejs Vegge about the new materials that can be used in the development of more sustainable batteries for electric cars.

Launch of climate report

At a press conference on Monday afternoon, DTU hosted the Danish publication of the new report from the UN Climate Panel, IPCC. Minister of Climate Dan Jørgensen also participated, while the report's main conclusions were presented by Professor Kirsten Halsnæs. Read more about the IPCC report here: IPCC: These technologies will reduce climate change

The Crown Prince heard about carbon capture from Associate Professor Philip Fosbøl and was shown a model of a carbon capture plant.
The Crown Prince heard about carbon capture from Associate Professor Philip Fosbøl and was shown a model of a carbon capture plant. ©Photo: Mikal Schlosser
Professor Peter Vesborg handed a microchip to Crown Prince Frederik, which is made by the DTU spin-out company Spectro Inlets. The chip makes accurate measurements of chemical processes in real time. Chemical processes that can promote PtX and thus Denmark's green transition.
Professor Peter Vesborg handed a microchip to Crown Prince Frederik, which is made by the DTU spin-out company Spectro Inlets. The chip makes accurate measurements of chemical processes in real time. Chemical processes that can promote PtX and thus Denmark's green transition. ©Photo: Mikal Schlosser
The Crown Prince was shown technologies that can accelerate the green transition & help counteract climate change.
The Crown Prince was shown technologies that can accelerate the green transition & help counteract climate change. ©Photo: Mikal Schlosser
The Crown Prince had many relevant follow-up questions and closely studied all the technologies he was presented with.
The Crown Prince had many relevant follow-up questions and closely studied all the technologies he was presented with. ©Photo: Mikal Schlosser

Contact

Rasmus Larsen

Rasmus Larsen Professor Department of Applied Mathematics and Computer Science