“The lab is part of OsloMet’s strategy to strengthen the green energy transition in the Oslo region,” said Carl Christian Thodesen, Pro-Rector for Societal Development and Collaboration, during the opening on May 15.
“The energy systems of the future are more complex and present intricate challenges. Finding solutions requires subject matter expertise, practical skills, and ideally, cross-disciplinary collaboration. That’s what we aim to prepare our students for.”
Astrid Oust Janbu, Head of the Department of Mechanical, Electrical and Chemical engineering (MEK), emphasized the interaction between different disciplines, such as technology and social sciences, and extended an invitation to collaborate:
“The lab is rooted in our strong technological environments, but to succeed, we need more perspectives and must work across disciplines. Just reach out – everyone is welcome to get involved!”
Green Energy Lab: Green energy technology in central Oslo
The opening brought together partners and leading knowledge communities at Pilestredet 35.
Miguel Chang, researcher at the Institute for Energy Technology (IFE), discussed the state of the energy transition in Europe and Norway. He highlighted the need for rapid cuts in greenhouse gas emissions and increased electrification, as well as the necessity of both technological and social change.
Professor Arvind Keprate and Associate Professor Yasha Parvini from MEK presented the Green Energy Lab, which is set to become a hub for the energy research community in central Oslo:
“Today’s focus areas include energy production, energy storage, and the circular economy, and we see great potential for expansion. We are working on establishing a Virtual Reality Lab which will help us train wind turbine technicians right here in the city centre.
The Fluid Dynamics Lab and the Energy Storage Lab
Guests were given a tour of the newly established laboratories.
“The Fluid Dynamics Lab now features a subsonic wind tunnel capable of reaching speeds up to 130 km/h, explained Professor Ramis Örlü. The tunnel is already in high demand — not just among our students, he added, referring to student groups presenting their projects to the audience.
“Energy storage technologies are key to increasing the share of solar and wind energy, as well as the electrification of all forms of transport, said Yasha Parvini on behalf of the Energy Storage Lab, while master’s student Ådne Iversen presented his research on energy-efficient characterization of used battery cells to give them a second life.
“Circularity and smart reuse are growth areas, and we aim to support this development.”
Co-researcher Chaymaa Aberkane, at the Intercultural Museum in Oslo. Photo: Dichino Nguyen from the media group Ildfluene.
Senior Engineer Rune Orderløkken, who presented the Advanced Materials Lab, agrees.
“The development of battery expertise is central. We’ve already started PhD projects utilizing the electrospinning facility,” he said.
The machine enables research on battery materials at the nanoscale, which could make the next generation of batteries safer and more efficient. He emphasized the importance of this type of infrastructure, which provides research-based education — and serves as a springboard for connecting with industry and the broader research ecosystem.
Education that is both research-based and industry-relevant
“I really like this quote — that we do not inherit the Earth from our parents, we borrow it from our children. And that’s not just talk, it’s a commitment. Our mission is to equip students with the tools to help create a better world,” said Carl Christian Thodesen.
Kristin Bergaust, Vice Dean for Research and Development, agreed:
“We aim to provide students with the latest knowledge, developed in step with leading research and green industry. The green energy transition is underway, with all its challenges, but it also offers opportunities for those ready to seize them.”
Hanne Flåten Andersen, Director of the new eight-year research centre for environmentally friendly energy, FME Battery, highlighted the planned collaboration with over 30 industry partners across the entire value chain.
Theodor Skaufel from the Lillestrøm-based company Nordic Booster AS shared experiences from electrifying Oslo’s construction sites using battery-powered charging technology. He considers the technological challenge solved:
“Going forward, our vision is to ensure that batteries can play multiple roles in optimizing energy systems — so-called value stacking.”
Signe Riemer Sørensen, Research Director at SINTEF Digital, presented the newly launched WindAI competition, which challenges participants to build models that forecast wind power production using public data. The competition is open to students, researchers, and professionals, and involves partners such as Statnett, NORA – the Norwegian Artificial Intelligence Research Consortium, and OsloMet.
André Brodtkorb, Head of the Department of Computer Science, highlighted the significant potential for internal collaboration at OsloMet on more data-driven solutions and the use of artificial intelligence for energy purposes.
Jian Dai, Associate Professor at the Department of Built Environment, pointed to ongoing collaboration on research into floating solar power systems in harsh marine environments.
The green energy transition is built through collaboration
The opening marks a significant investment in the knowledge, solutions, and expertise needed for the energy systems of the future. Astrid Oust Janbu congratulated the university:
“Green Energy Lab strengthens OsloMet’s response to the climate and nature crisis, and the need for a just, inclusive, and democratic societal transition. Fortunately, the Oslo region is well-positioned to succeed in this transformation. This is important for our students, and we will give them the tools to participate.”
She is supported by the lab’s coordinator, advisor Stefan Erbs:
”Green Energy Lab is still in an early phase, but we’re seeing significant interest. It’s motivating to see researchers, students, and industry getting involved. That’s exactly what we want—to elevate collaboration in green energy research.”
Professor Arvind Keprate presents the Virtual Reality Lab, which is being established as part of Green Energy Lab’s new infrastructure. Photo: Magdalena Hestholm
“Many groups at OsloMet are already delivering sought-after contributions in energy research, innovation, and education, so we don’t need to reinvent the wheel,” says Arvind Keprate, professor at the Department of Mechanical, Electronic and Chemical Engineering and one of the initiators behind Green Energy Lab.
“Green Energy Lab will strengthen our research community and offer a platform for those working with green energy technology. Bringing efforts together and focusing them can give us a whole new level of impact. So, if you have a project idea—get in touch!”
In the picture at the top of the article you see Professor Ramis Örlü and master's students who have used the wind tunnel.
