Denmark runs on clean energy. Half of its electricity comes from wind and solar power. Out in the Baltic Sea, the Kriegers Flak wind farm is Scandinavia’s biggest, powering around 600,000 Danish households. Yet, it’s bioenergy that is Denmark’s top renewable energy source, accounting for over two-thirds of the nation’s sustainable energy. Together, these achievements make Denmark a global benchmark for sustainable energy. For future energy leaders, there’s no better classroom.
That classroom is Aalborg University. Ranked #9 in the world for advancing the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, the university aims to solve the planet’s most urgent energy problems and ensure a greener future.
At the heart of this mission is AAU Energy, the department driving research, innovation, and problem-based learning in areas like renewable energy, efficient energy consumption, and distribution, conversion technologies, and energy control.
“We strive to be the best in the world and have the highest possible quality,” Professor Mads Nielsen says. “This is done by involving our students and lecturers directly in the evaluation. Through a semester at AAU Energy, we are in constant dialogue with students and lecturers and collaborate to have the best possible studies.”
AAU Energy is dedicated to fulfilling the UN’s 17 SDGs. Source: Aalborg University
Where tomorrow’s smart energy experts are made
Making cleaner energy is a global challenge – one that Aalborg’s Master of Science (MSc) in Energy Engineering rises up to. This two-year, English-taught programme covers the thermal, electrical, and mechatronic fields.
You’ll learn to identify and define future energy sources such as wind turbines, solar panels, fuel cells, and biofuels, depending on which specialisation you choose. Whether you specialise in Electric Power Systems and High Voltage Engineering, Fuel Cells and Hydrogen Technology, Mechatronic Control Engineering, Power Electronics and Drives, Thermal Energy and Process Engineering, or Hybrid Wind Power Systems, you’ll get to work on research that rethink how the world moves, flies, and runs.
“I did not have previous experience working in a lab, and the opportunity to work on them with total independence has given me a confidence boost,” student Maria Varela says. “It has been an incredible opportunity to work in the biofuels lab, and I am deeply thankful for all the resources that are at my disposal.”
Your research projects will span several departments. By combining your expertise with that of more technical, social, or humanistic sciences from different departments, you’ll mirror how real-world teams approach problems that cross borders and disciplines.
“Interdisciplinary collaboration is vital to meet the complex challenges required to meet a renewable energy supply,” Professor Nielsen says. “Students collaborate across fields of study on a joint project with a sustainability focus. Through these projects, students gain a deeper understanding of their discipline as it relates to other areas. We, for instance, have our famous leadENG-projects which were awarded the QS Reimagine Education European Gold Medal award for the best new educational initiative in Europe in 2022.”
The Sea Dragon is an example of a leadENG-project. This underwater amphibious drone can both fly and operate underwater, and is set to be potentially useful in many areas, including ship inspections, search and rescue operations, and military applications.
New and current AAU Energy students can keep up with E2X – Energy to X to find out the latest news and activities. Source: Aalborg University
Labs, lectures, and laughter
As part of AAU Energy, you’ll be part of a community. E2X – Energy to X is the department’s student-led association, which hosts an active social calendar. All year long, it runs quiz nights, board games, BBQs, and company visits to turn classmates into collaborators and strangers into friends.
“During my first months at AAU, I participated in some events to play board games, that was very ‘hygge’ and it was a very welcoming experience for international students,” Varela says.
Aalborg, the city, is like that too. It’s student-friendly, with no shortage of events, organisations, and activities. Located in a beautiful part of the Jutland peninsula, the fifth-largest city in Denmark is often envied for its calm and culture. Streets are peaceful, distances are bikeable, and the surroundings are postcard-perfect. As for things to do, there are many, from the live performances at the futuristic House of Music to the old power station turned cultural centre Nordkraft.
“I’ve gained a lot in terms of quality of life,” Varela says. “Everything is close enough to reach by bike, and there are plenty of parks and green areas instead of big traffic-heavy avenues. The tryouts and sports activities also make it a great fit for young, active people.”
Follow Aalborg University on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Snapchat, and YouTube.
