This week, Corneliu Barbu, assistant professor at Aarhus University, was elected as vice-president of the European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE). This means that Denmark will have a major influence on the future of the European energy system in the years to come.

"I'm very pleased with the election results and very honoured. During my vice-presidential period, among other things, I will focus on creating a good framework for developing new European battery technology so that we can store sun and wind energy. This requires collaboration and that universities and companies across different countries pool their knowledge and work together to find the best solutions," says Corneliu Barbu, assistant professor at Aarhus University School of Engineering.

EASE works to promote the development of an efficient, safe and climate-neutral energy system in Europe, among other things by making recommendations for political regulation.

Members of the network come from all segments of the energy-storage value chain - universities, technology companies and energy companies.

Denmark takes over vice-presidential post in the European Association for Storage of Energy (EASE). Corneliu Barbu, assistant professor at the Aarhus University School of Engineering, will take up his position on 1 Januar

An exciting time for energy

Europe is in the process of changing the operation of all electrical systems. This is the result of growing energy consumption by the population, more cross-border trade and a political desire for full integration of solar and wind energy.

This is why, according to Corneliu Barbu, it is vital to have a well-functioning international collaboration on the development of new storage technologies and new political standards.

"This is a very exciting time for energy in a historical perspective. A great deal of development is going on in the area, and we need to adjust the standards needed to ensure the operation of our supply systems and storage technologies," he says.

Denmark is well-known for having one of the world's most stable electricity energy supply systems, and Danish experience with integrating renewable energy can now benefit the rest of Europe.

"With our knowledge and expertise, I hope that we’ll be able to influence the common European and international direction, so that we all can be better at storing energy from renewable sources," says Corneliu Barbu.

Aarhus University has been admitted to EASE on the basis of a number of notable research and development activities in battery technology.

Education is important for the green transition

Corneliu Barbu conducts research into new storage technologies that can quickly move from the laboratory to reality, and he teaches electrical power technology to students on the Bachelor of Engineering programme. And this link between research and education is crucial if Europe is to go the distance in the green transition. He says:

“Universities need to conduct research and develop new storage technologies that can rapidly be integrated into our existing energy systems. But we also need to educate the next generations of European engineers so that they can apply their knowledge to match society's challenges and innovation needs in the energy sector," says Corneliu Barbu.

"It's a very important task," he stresses.

Corneliu Barbu will take up the position of vice president on 1 January 2021 for a two-year term.

MORE INFORMATION

EASE aims to stimulate the development of new storage technologies, promote the green transition of energy systems, and establish a platform for knowledge sharing in the area.

Read more about EASE

CONTACT

Corneliu Barbu, assistant professor, Aarhus University School of Engineering