Energy System Design and Analysis is a research focus within SDU Life Cycle Engineering. We combine detailed process simulation, infrastructure-level system modelling, techno-economic optimization and life cycle thinking to investigate how future energy systems can be designed and operated efficiently, sustainably and at scale. Beyond the energy system itself, our research explores interactions with other sectors, including waste, materials, agriculture and food, to identify opportunities for sector coupling, resource efficiency and circularity. We address both long-term strategic decisions and short-term operational decisions, including system flexibility and optimal operation.
We collaborate with universities, utilities, technology developers, public authorities and industries to translate research into decision-relevant knowledge supporting technology development, investment decisions, infrastructure planning, public awareness and the development of low-carbon and circular supply chains.
Key themes:
Smart energy systems and cross-sector integration
We investigate how electricity, heating, gas, fuels, transport and industry can be integrated into efficient and flexible energy systems. Our research also examines interactions with waste management, agriculture, forestry and material systems, recognizing that energy transitions depend on resources and activities beyond the energy sector. By combining sector coupling with a broader systems perspective, we identify synergies, trade-offs and pathways that support climate goals without shifting environmental pressures elsewhere.
Hydrogen, Power-to-X and renewable fuels
We study hydrogen and Power-to-X value chains, from electrolysis and detailed process design to renewable fuel production, infrastructure integration and supply-chain development. Our research covers e-fuels and bio-e-fuels, including the role of sustainable biomass and biogenic carbon in accelerating the transition to low-carbon fuels. We assess how technology choices, resource availability, infrastructure and operating strategies influence the feasibility and competitiveness of these pathways.
Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS)
We explore the role of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) in climate mitigation and carbon removal. Our work covers conventional point-source capture as well as emerging technologies such as Direct Air Capture and Direct Ocean Capture. We investigate how carbon-management technologies can be integrated with energy systems, industrial processes and CO2 infrastructure, and assess their technical, economic and environmental performance.
Flexibility, grids and infrastructure
We investigate how electricity, heating, gas, fuels, transport and industry can be integrated into efficient and flexible energy systems. Our research also examines interactions with waste management, agriculture, forestry and material systems, recognizing that energy transitions depend on resources and activities beyond the energy sector. By combining sector coupling with a broader systems perspective, we identify synergies, trade-offs and pathways that support climate goals without shifting environmental pressures elsewhere
We investigate how flexible energy demand, storage and infrastructure integration can support renewable energy deployment and reduce system costs. Using a time-dependent energy-system modelling and optimization, we examine electricity day ahead market, grid capacity, variation in demand, resource availability and alternative infrastructure pathways. Attention is given to how emerging energy-intensive technologies such as datacenters can operate flexibly and contribute to the wider energy system rather than simply adding new demand.
Contact information
Interested in learning more? You are welcome to contact
Associate Professor Hossein Nami