Department of Energy Systems

The power grid is the cornerstone of the energy transition. As an increasing number of energy carriers such as solar, batteries, offshore wind, hydrogen, and electric vehicles are integrated into the energy system, this creates entirely new requirements for grids and control systems.

Our research explores smart grid technology and future active distribution networks, where end users, energy resources, and grid operators interact in real time.

We focus on ensuring the power system remains stable, robust, and secure in the face of the energy transition, while exploring system integration of offshore wind and other renewable energy sources.

Electric transport is a pivotal part of this picture - from the electrification of ferries, ships, and aircraft to charging infrastructures for cars. It represents both a major new load and a potential flexibility resource in the energy system.

Our research spans:

• Smart grid technology, grid planning and operation, and control systems for future distribution networks
• Integrating distributed energy resources - such as solar, batteries, and flexible consumption - into the power grid
• Grid connection and system integration of offshore wind and wave energy, including HVDC technology and system dynamics
• Security of supply, risk and vulnerability analyses, and planning methodologies for power grids
• Electrifying transport, including ships, aircraft, and vehicles, and the infrastructure needed to support it
• Linking energy carriers and market solutions across an integrated Norway-Europe system
• Cyber-physical power systems, monitoring and control, and energy communities and microgrids.

The Energy Systems Department comprises of four research groups:

• Power System Management
• Active Power Grids
• Offshore Power
• Electric Transport

The department leads and contributes to large national and European projects, while SINTEF Energy hosts the FME centres Securel and NorthWind, as well as playing a key partner role in several other FME centres.

The department is located at Kolbjørn Hejes vei 1D and Sem Sælands vei 11.

Employees in the Energy Systems Department.