PhD Stipend in Wind Farm Control and Integration in Sector-Coupled Power Systems (WindConnect Project) Aalborg University in Denmark

The Faculty of Engineering and Science at Aalborg University (AAU Energy) invites applications for a fully funded PhD stipend within the general study program, starting from 1st June 2026 or soon after. This 3-year position is supported by the prestigious Marie-Sklodowska-Curie Action (MSCA) grant as part of the WindConnect project, which focuses on wind farm control and integration in sector-coupled power systems. The WindConnect consortium brings together leading experts from academia and industry across Europe, addressing the challenges of integrating wind energy into power systems that include green hydrogen production, grid stability, flexibility, and sustainability.

The research will explore the transition of power grids from conventional power plants to renewable energy sources, particularly wind turbine generators interfaced via power electronics converters. This shift reduces physical inertia and increases volatility in power grids, raising critical questions about grid stability and the risk of large-scale blackouts. The PhD project aims to develop wind turbine models with various control technologies, including simulation models for grid-following and grid-forming type-4 wind turbine generators, with or without energy storage systems. The main goal is to evaluate the grid-forming capability of wind turbine generators in different operating scenarios, with outcomes that may inform practical applications of grid-forming control technology in wind turbines.

Applicants should have a strong academic background with a master’s degree or equivalent in Energy Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mathematics, Control theory, or related fields. Skills in power electronics converters and control, wind turbine control, grid-connected converter control, motor drive, control engineering, and stability-related research are advantageous. Experience with engineering tools such as MATLAB, PLECS, PSCAD, and excellent English language skills are required. Candidates in the final phase of their master’s degree may apply but must complete the degree before starting. Additional requirements include not having lived in Denmark for more than 12 of the previous 36 months, less than four years’ full-time equivalent research experience, and not holding a doctoral degree.

The position is based at AAU Energy in Aalborg, a dynamic and international research department with world-class facilities and a strong focus on clean and sustainable energy systems. The PhD student will be part of the "Power Electronic Control Reliability and System Optimization" research program and positioned in the section for "Applied Power Electronic Systems." The project offers competitive salaries (plus allowances), totaling approximately 5354 Euro / 40,000 DKK per month, funding for technical and personal skills training, participation in international research events, and opportunities for secondments and outreach activities.

As part of the PhD study, students are required to complete PhD courses corresponding to 30 ECTS, gain teaching or knowledge dissemination experience, and undertake an external research stay outside Aalborg University, preferably 3-6 months at a foreign institution. The employment terms follow the Danish AC collective agreement, with a mutual probationary period of 3 months.

To apply, submit your application via Aalborg University’s recruitment system. The application must include a motivation letter, CV, diplomas (bachelor’s and master’s), publications (if applicable), and a project description (3-5 pages) merged into a single PDF. All documentation should be in English and adhere to the announcement’s guidelines. Applications not following the guidelines will not be considered. For questions, contact Professor Frede Blaabjerg or HR at AAU Energy.

For more information about the WindConnect project, visit WindConnect Project. Apply directly at Aalborg University PhD Application Portal.