Norlys Energy Trading A/S, based in Aalborg and co-owned by Norlys and Eurowind Energy, has launched its Energy ResearchLab to tackle pressing issues in the energy sector. This new R&D unit, which welcomed its first four employees in March 2024, collaborates closely with AAU ENERGY to provide research insights for the future energy system.

Lasse Rosendahl, Head of AAU ENERGY, describes the collaboration as:  
"A superb example of focused collaboration with the business sector on research."

Recently news outlets TV2 and Forsyning interviewed some of the other partners in the lab.

Acclaimed Professor Frede Blaabjerg highlighted the opportunities for energy education to TV2:

"Norlys Energy Trading is reaching out to us where research is crucial for the future of energy. That’s truly interesting! This collaboration offers students access to real datasets, unique research opportunities, and new job prospects."

 

One of the first employees at Energy ResearchLab, Monika Sandelic, who recently completed her PhD in Energy & Engineering at AAU ENERGY, now continues her research in a business postdoc position at Norlys Energy Trading.

Combining Practical Experience with Specialized Knowledge
The main motivation for Norlys Energy Trading to build the lab cooperation is is to assist in develop future energy technologies.

- We believe it is essential for everyone in the energy sector to contribute to developing solutions for future energy systems and Power-to-X technologies, said Morten Dalum from Norlys Energy Trading in an interview with Forsyning.

- Our dedicated Energy ResearchLab will gain insights that benefit us, our customers, partners, and society at large.

Digital Solutions and AI
As demand for electricity from wind and solar increases, efficient energy storage and intelligent control are critical. The goal is to help develop this knowledge more intensely with the new Energy ResearchLab through digital solutions and artificial intelligence, combining expertise in energy systems, computer science, AI, machine learning, and energy engineering.

Collaborative Research
Research and development at Energy ResearchLab will be in close partnership with Aalborg University (AAU ENERGY).

Among the initial hires is Monika Sandelic, continuing her research in a business postdoc position. The other three employees are pursuing business PhDs, aiming to develop future energy solutions. Norlys Energy Trading welcomes project inspiration from various stakeholders, including internal initiatives, customer collaborations, and university research proposals.

One of those is Helene Heide Bech Rasmussen's project on the role of hydrogen in Denmark’s energy system. Her project aims to address uncertainties in final investment decisions for achieving Denmark's 2045 green goals. Another project focuses on converting electricity to other energy forms, supporting the transition to greener energy as part of the Green Hydrogen Hub project.

Located in Aalborg, Energy ResearchLab is set to become a key player in addressing future energy storage challenges.