PhD in Control of Hybrid Power Plants for Resilient Power System Support

Are you passionate about advancing the green energy transition and developing technical solutions for future power systems? The Renewable Plants in Energy Systems (RES) section at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) Wind and Energy Systems invites applications for a fully funded PhD position focused on the Control of Hybrid Power Plants for Resilient Power System Support . This multidisciplinary research opportunity offers a creative and inspiring work environment, with access to unique research infrastructure including a fully controllable megawatt-scale hybrid power plant at DTU's Risø Campus. As a PhD student, you will develop advanced control strategies for hybrid power plants (HPPs) to ensure their seamless integration into future power grids. The project is at the intersection of control engineering, power systems, and renewable energy integration, and is part of the Independent Research Fund Denmark project TRANSITION, which supports the career development of young researchers in sustainable energy innovation. You will collaborate closely with DTU Wind, DTU Electro, and both national and international partners, contributing to Europe’s leadership in green energy technologies and the transition to a sustainable, decarbonized energy system. The research addresses the increasing complexity of power systems due to the proliferation of converter-based renewable power plants and uncertainties from climate change, market dynamics, and grid variations. Hybrid Power Plants, combining multiple generation and storage technologies, are central to providing essential grid support services and maintaining system stability. Your objective will be to design, implement, and evaluate novel control approaches for HPPs, ensuring resilient grid service delivery under high uncertainty and complexity. You will leverage data and expertise from DTU’s MW-scale HPP research facility, enhancing the practical relevance of your work and supporting the integration of more renewable energy into future power grids. Responsibilities include modeling state-of-the-art control architectures for utility-scale HPPs, identifying challenges in dynamic performance and grid service provision, developing new control methods for grid support, and quantifying their performance through theoretical analysis and simulation-based validation. You will publish your findings in scientific journals, present at conferences, assist in MSc thesis supervision, and provide limited teaching assistance. Engagement with industry and academic partners in the TRANSITION project and contributions to IEA Wind Task 50 and Task 25/63 are expected. Applicants should have a strong foundation in control theory (optimal, robust, distributed, and model predictive control), with background in power system analysis, dynamics, control, and/or converter control considered a strong advantage. Experience with modeling and simulation tools such as MATLAB/Simulink, Python, or similar, and strong programming and analytical skills are essential. Expertise in renewable energy systems, hybrid power plants, and converter-based generation is useful, and proficiency in English is mandatory. Candidates must meet DTU’s PhD admission requirements, including a two-year master's degree (120 ECTS points) or equivalent in a relevant field. The position is funded for three years, with salary and terms based on the collective agreement with the Danish Confederation of Professional Associations. The expected start date is July 2026, or as mutually agreed. DTU offers a dynamic, international research environment, academic excellence, and global networking opportunities. DTU Wind and Energy Systems is the world’s largest public research institute dedicated to wind and energy systems transition, with a strong reputation for pioneering wind technology and smart energy systems. To apply, submit your complete online application by 25 January 2026, including a cover letter, CV, grade transcripts, diploma, and a 1-page research statement, as a single PDF file via the provided application link. For further information, contact Associate Professors Anca D. Hansen, Kaushik Das, Hans Henrik Niemann, or Head of Section Gregor Giebel. DTU encourages applications from all qualified candidates regardless of background and conducts open-source background checks for positions involving critical technology. For more details and to apply, visit the official application link. Join DTU and contribute to shaping the future of sustainable energy systems!