Denmark has been a pioneer country in the generation of renewable energy, but our energy consumption is still largely based on fossil fuels. Power-to-X technology can convert wind and solar power into, for example, ammonia, methanol, and methane, which can be used as fuels and thus reduce carbon emissions.

“With the grant, we can accelerate the development of Power-to-X solutions. That is necessary to ensure Denmark’s continued leading position in Power-to-X technologies. The initiative fits well into the Government’s Power-to-X strategy, which will kick-start the development of green fuels. Together, we can make Power-to-X the next big Danish green transition venture,” says DTU President Anders Bjarklev.

Great leap from university laboratory to market  

Danish universities are conducting intensive research into Power-to-X technologies, but there is a very long way from the laboratory to commercial use.

“If the green transition is to succeed, it’s necessary to activate the practical application of the excellent Danish research in this field. It’s a long and often difficult journey on which a concerted effort is needed. We hope that The VILLUM Power-to-X Accelerator can help speed up the process. It’s necessary,” says Jens Kann-Rasmussen, chair of VILLUM FONDEN.

As Scientific Director, DTU Professor Peter Vesborg will head the centre, while DTU Professor Jens Kehlet Nørskov will chair the steering committee. Both professors are internationally leading energy researchers whose projects include work with the use of catalysis technology to replace fossil fuels in energy production and materials manufacturing. 

Read DTU's press release about the center.