GreenLab is a green and circular industrial park with Denmark's first energy microgrid, where wind and solar energy is connected directly to the park and the industries located there. It occupies an area of 60 hectares and accommodates various energy-technology based companies. GreenLab provides necessary facilities and infrastructure, representing a unique site to demonstrate large-scale energy conversion and storage. The site is connected to both the electrical grid and the natural gas grid but also has its own “SymbiosisNet” and internal infrastructure for optimized use, sharing and conversion of energy locally. The SymbiosisNet is an intelligent grid og energy and data that enables energy exchange to and between site partners. At its core, GreenLab integrates renewable energy, sector coupling, and circular economy with digitalization to enable smart, flexible, and scalable energy systems.

At GreenLab, we accelerate the green transition of industry through large-scale testing of new technologies, direct connection of industrial production to renewable energy, and mission-driven research.

GreenLab aims to develop a digital infrastructure that will enable real-time monitoring, control, and optimization of complex, integrated energy flows across multiple sectors, including electricity, heat, hydrogen, and biogas, with respect to the fact that in general all activities are real world industrial use, where the economy is the driving factor of operation. Through its energy operating system and data platform, it will support advanced simulation, forecasting, and coordination across industrial partners. This makes it an ideal site for testing new digital tools and control strategies for integrated energy systems.

When fully developed, GreenLab provides a full-scale digitalized energy ecosystem, where new models for coordination, automation, and data exchange can be developed and validated. Researchers and technology developers will be able to test digital twins, smart grid applications, and sector coupling strategies in a cyber-physical environment. 

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The LORC Grid Emulator is a very powerful artificial grid for compliance testing. It has a nominal voltage of 33kV and a rating of 21MVA. The voltage and frequency can be controlled very accurately in the range from 0-40,5kV and 45-65Hz. Furthermore a sequence of grid events with can be programmed and executed for compliance testing.

The LORC Grid Emulator can be programmed with various grid events, like LVRT (Low Voltage Ride Through); HVRT (High Voltage Ride Through) and ZVRT (Zero Voltage Ride Through). Since the Grid emulator is converter based, and therefore decoupled from the supply grid, the frequency can be changed in the range from 45-65Hz. This enables testing of products for both 50Hz and 60Hz applications, as well as frequency response tests.

The target group for the LORC emulator is primarily large renewable electrical systems (fx. wind turbines and PV inverters), and Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS). The emulator can be used to verify grid compliance with various countries’ grid codes, and test frequency response.

Because of the power full rating (21MVA), thermal test at the corner points of the Devise Under Test (DUT) in relation to both voltage and frequency can be tested. This with both active and reactive power.

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Test Centre Østerild is a wind turbine testing facility located on the west coast of Northern Jutland, Denmark. By facilitating the testing and certification of new wind turbines, the Test Centre Østerild plays a crucial role in Denmark's transition to renewable energy and aims to maintain Denmark's leading position in wind power development and support the transition to green energy.

Test Centre Østerild is managed by the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and is known for its excellent wind conditions, making it ideal for testing full-sized on- and offshore wind turbines before they enter the market. The centre features nine testing stands that are capable of trialing the new generation of mega-turbines up to 330m tall.

Test Centre Østerild has several capabilities that make it a key facility for wind turbine testing:

• Testing Full-Sized Turbines: It allows manufacturers to test full-sized wind turbines under real-world conditions before they enter the market 
• Nine Testing Stands: The center has nine testing stands, each equipped with its own meteorological mast. Vestas Wind Systems and Siemens Gamesa Renewable Energy are the owners of four of the test stands. DTU Wind and Energy Systems is the operator of the remaining five stands which are for rent to the wind turbine industry.

• Optimal Wind Conditions: Located on the west coast of Northern Jutland, it benefits from some of the best wind conditions in the world
• Visitor Center: The center attracts around 50,000 visitors annually, offering educational insights into wind energy
• Research and Development: It supports ongoing research and development in wind energy technology, contributing to advancements in turbine efficiency and performance.

The geographical location and facilities of the test centre enable the wind turbine industry, in collaboration with DTU and other research institutions, to conduct research, development, and testing of prototype wind turbines and new wind turbine technology.

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Aalborg University - AAU Energy is set to create a new hybrid Energy Storage (HES) facility representing a pioneering advancement in scalable, controllable, modular, and flexible energy storage solutions. This cutting-edge facility addresses critical challenges in grid stability, power quality management, and future renewable energy integration while providing essential grid balancing services.

The HES facility integrates storage technologies, including Supercapacitors and Battery modules, coupled with Power Electronic interfaces, a Real-Time Digital Simulator, and a Linear Power Amplifier. Operating at a 750-kW capacity level, the facility is designed to:

• Stabilize power demand fluctuations from renewable energy sources
• Enable both grid-connected and islanded operational modes
• Support energy services and power system-level applications

The 750 kW-level HES facility intends to smoothen the demand for power from potential power plants (ROAD2X  at AAU energy), quick chargers for EVs, and emulate load dynamics as well as to respond as a flexible and controllable block. 

In addition, the facility integrates a multi-layered communication network for model and data exchange engineered for seamless integration with other NEST facilities. The communication architecture will follow a hierarchical, multi-layered design. At the local AAU level, a lightweight and modular communication framework will be deployed to facilitate low-overhead data acquisition and deterministic control operations. Inter-site communication will be coordinated via the global NEST data exchange orchestrator, implemented by a high-throughput, low-latency communication channel with end-to-end latency constrained to around 2-5 milliseconds. To ensure semantic and syntactic interoperability across all nodes, the system will employ standardized data and metadata schemas, compliant with common ontologies and machine-readable formats, thereby enabling seamless data exchange and orchestration across heterogeneous platforms.

Core capabilities 

The HES facility is carefully designed to explore the benefits of combining different storage technologies in a coordinated way and a flexible fashion. By pairing energy-dense batteries with power-dense supercapacitors, the lab investigates how hybrid energy storage systems can meet rapid and dynamic power demands while also supporting longer-term energy needs. The facility is built to simulate conditions like fast-changing power flows and large-scale renewable energy input. The facility will serve as an AAU energy campus pilot site coupled with islanded or grid-connected scenarios and on-demand support. The facility will also serve as a comprehensive testing environment for advanced grid scenarios, including:

• Weak rural grid conditions
• Small island grid operations
• HVDC modeling and power systems scenarios (offshore wind farm applications)
• Grid-forming and islanding operational modes
• Fast-charging infrastructure emulation
• Emulation of wind farm, solar farm and PtX plants in the grid connected mode
• Load flexibility 
• fault ride-through scenarios
• Emulation of sustainable carbon neutral local energy communities

The HES facility offers significant value propositions

• Research Institutions: Access to cutting-edge testing infrastructure and collaborative research opportunities in energy storage and grid integration technologies
• Industry Partners: Real-world testing environment for energy system validation, commissioning support, and technology demonstration before full-scale deployment
• Grid Operators: Advanced solutions for grid voltage and frequency stability, grid balancing, energy markets, power quality management, and renewable energy integration challenges
• Technology Developers: Platform for validating and optimizing energy storage systems, power electronics, and grid integration technologies

In collaboration with Danish institutions, industry stakeholders, and grid operators, the facility will be the baseline for the following strategic values: 

Grid Integration Technologies

• AC/DC electrical topology design and implementation
• Coordinated power plant converter control systems
• Advanced grid services including grid-forming operation and black-start capabilities
• Frequency control and traditional grid services

Predictive Analytics and Forecasting

• Uncertainty quantification and forecast integration for optimal energy management
• Real-time meteorological and production data integration from distributed sources
• Geographically distributed data collection and analysis

Sustainable Energy Communities

• Supporting the "green" transition to sustainable energy islands
• Enhancing energy flexibility through integrated energy systems
• Local energy community optimization and resilience enhancement

Advanced Grid Services

• Grid emulation for challenging operational conditions
• Development and verification of advanced testing protocols
• Hybrid storage solutions for power plant applications

In summary, the new HES facility represents a cornerstone of NEST's commitment to advancing sustainable energy technologies and supporting the transition to a resilient, flexible energy future.

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The eMethanol Plant enables the development and testing of next-generation green methanol solutions for a more efficient and sustainable energy future.

Powering the green energy transition with advanced eMethanol production facilities

The eMethanol Plant focuses on the integration, implementation, and demonstration of sustainable methanol synthesis directly from renewable electricity. The plant is structured around a complete Power-to-X chain, combining water purification, hydrogen production, CO₂ feed, and methanol synthesis in a flexible, modular setup. The plant’s digital infrastructure enables seamless data collection, real-time monitoring, and advanced control strategies, supporting both stand-alone operation and integration with external energy systems. The facility allows for dynamic operation and optimization of production processes, showcasing how renewable resources can be efficiently converted into green methanol for a sustainable energy future.

Innovating methanol synthesis, Power-to-X processes, and energy system integration technologies

The eMethanol Plant is equipped to support experimental activities across the full Power-to-X chain — from water purification and hydrogen production to CO₂ integration and methanol synthesis.

The facility combines advanced synthesis equipment, dynamic storage solutions (both hydrogen and methanol), and an evolving digital twin environment. It provides a platform for realistic testing of renewable methanol production under variable operational conditions, enabling deep insights into process optimization, efficiency improvements, and the role of eMethanol in future energy systems.

An open testing ground for green methanol technology innovation

• Methanol synthesis testing & optimization
• Power-to-X integration and system coupling
• Hydrogen production and storage
• CO₂ utilization and capture integration
• Dynamic operation & data-driven control strategies
• Remote access & real-time data collection
• Simulation tools & digital twin development

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Enabling the green energy transition with advanced hydrogen production facilities

The Hydrogen Lab focuses on the production, storage, and integration of renewable hydrogen to drive sustainable energy solutions. The facility is built around a 350 kW alkaline electrolyzer with modular low- and high-pressure storage systems, supporting both dynamic operation and large-scale hydrogen applications. The setup includes seamless compression from 35 bar buffer storage to 350 bar high-capacity storage, enabling flexible use in power-to-X processes and mobility solutions. The lab’s infrastructure is designed for real-time monitoring, optimization, and integration into broader energy systems.

Advancing hydrogen production, compression, storage, and integration technologies

The Hydrogen Lab is equipped to support experimental activities across the hydrogen value chain—from production with a 350 kW alkaline electrolyzer to compression, low-pressure buffer storage (10 kg at 35 bar), and high-pressure storage (200 kg at 350 bar).

The setup enables flexible testing of hydrogen supply systems for both power-to-X processes and mobility applications. With integrated compression and modular storage configurations, the lab provides a realistic platform for performance evaluation under dynamic conditions, supporting the development of efficient and scalable hydrogen solutions.

An open testing ground for hydrogen technology innovation

• Hydrogen Production & Compression
• Multi-Pressure Storage Systems
• Power-to-X Integration
• Mobility Fueling Solutions
• Real-Time Monitoring & Control
• Dynamic Operation & Optimization

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Risø Hybrid Power Plant is a cutting-edge research facility for testing and developing hybrid renewable energy systems. It combines wind, solar, and battery storage into a single controllable unit, offering researchers a full-scale environment to explore how hybrid power plants can support future energy systems.

Testing the future of flexible green electricity

The facility integrates two solar PV systems, two upgraded wind turbines, and a 1.25 MWh battery, all connected to both the power grid and a unique Controllable Grid Interface (CGI). The CGI allows researchers to simulate various grid conditions – from weak, remote networks to complex urban systems. The intelligent control system manages generation and storage dynamically, enabling real-time testing of energy management strategies, system services, and load-following behavior.

A testbed for smart integration of renewables

Risø Hybrid Power Plant enables researchers and developers to:

• Test and validate new technologies for renewable generation, storage, and control
• Study system stability, flexibility, and market integration of hybrid plants
• Simulate grid conditions for different geographies (e.g., weak or islanded grids)
• Optimize plant behavior to reduce grid congestion and infrastructure needs
• Explore co-located energy systems that balance local supply and demand

The facility serves as a bridge between lab-scale experiments and real-world applications, providing critical insight into how to operate and scale hybrid renewable systems to support a 100% green energy future.

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FlexLab AU Viborg enables research, development and testing of different types of energy conversion- and storage technologies up to 150 kW at TRL 4-7.

The facility is operated by Aarhus University, Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) and located at BCE’s facility at Campus Viborg, together with the departments other high-TRL research and development facilities, that are focusing on green transition of the combined energy, food and materials system.

Aarhus University is Denmark’s second-largest university, with 38,000 students, five faculties, and research activities across the country, including campuses in Aarhus, Viborg, Herning, and Emdrup. Since its founding in 1928, AU has grown into a dynamic, modern, and internationally oriented university with a strong impact across the entire research spectrum. It is consistently ranked among the world’s top universities—most recently ranked 80th in the Shanghai Ranking (ARWU 2024).

The Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering (BCE) is a relatively young department that has undergone significant growth over the past decade. It now comprises around 240 employees and 800 engineering students. BCE’s core activities include research-based education, basic research and applied research aimed at addressing societal challenges.

The department focuses on biological and chemical engineering across multiple industries, with a strong emphasis on developing new technologies, generating knowledge, and educating a skilled workforce to support the green transition. BCE has a particular focus on scaling technologies in close collaboration with industrial players to accelerate learning and impact. Amongst others, BCE operates a carbon conversion and PtX research platform, where research and development in new technologies and process chains, digital models etc. are conducted in TRL 4-6.

A Flexible Lab

The Lab enables integration and testing of electricity consuming or producing technologies (eg. Power-to-X, X-to-power) at flexible test stations. The stations are connected to the site’s gas infrastructure, including the biogas plant, which enables coupling to different feedstocks and other supply and offtake technologies on the site. 

The lab is equipped with a range of common utilities for pilot units (instrument air, cooling, ventilation, water etc.), general gas mixture line (inlet and outlet), flexible/programable power sources/loads and adjacent analytic equipment.

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Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering
Gustav Wieds Vej 10D
Building 3135, room 112
8000 Aarhus C
Denmark

Department of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Biogas Plant
Burrehøjvej 43  
8830 Tjele
Denmark

PowerLabDK consists of more than 15 different customizable   and interconnected labs and digital facilities designed for advanced energy system research, teaching and demonstration. See more on www.powerlab.dk.

PowerLabDK covers a wide range of advanced world leading facilities within energy system research supporting technology development, testing, training and validation that contribute to creating a reliable, cost efficient and sustainable energy system.

PowerLabDK includes numerous state-of-the-art facilities linked through communication systems, SCADA solutions etc. and are located at four locations (Lyngby, Risø, Ballerup and Bornholm). The facilities are capable of running tests and demonstrations according to a variety of international standards, including IEC, CENELEC, IEE and others. Integrated with the labs, PowerLabDK hosts its own digital energy data platform EnergyDataDK with real-time data from the lab infrastructure as well as from the Danish energy system. PowerLabDK is one entry to an umbrella of several advanced infrastructure facilities and PowerLabDK welcomes engineers and researchers from industry and academia as well as students.

PowerLabDK offers a vast variety of facilities including:

• Control Center Lab
• Battery Lab
• Electric Lab
• EV Integration Lab
• High Voltage Lab
• Innovation Island Bornholm
• EnergyDataDK
• RTDS lab
• AC/DC Wind Power Lab
• Power-to-X Lab
• Power Flex House
• Power Student Lab
• Short Circuit Lab
• Smart Converter Lab
• SYSLAB (Energy System Integration Lab)

Below three of PowerLabDK’s many facilities are highlighted to give a short impression of the width of PowerLabDK.

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Interested in more information or collaboration, please visit www.powerlab.dk