Nuclear Energy DTU brings together the academic environments across DTU's departments working with nuclear power technologies. The center is also a common entrance for potential partners.
The purpose of Nuclear Energy DTU is to:
Nuclear power using fission has been around for more than seven decades, and the technology has changed significantly over the years. Especially in recent years, nuclear power has once again become the subject of intense research and development, and completely new types of reactors are being developed.
DTU contributes to this research and to creating knowledge about the potentials and limitations of the technologies.
Many different disciplines and fields of research are relevant to the development of nuclear energy technology. At DTU, eight departments conduct research that contributes knowledge about nuclear energy and safety matters concerning it.
DTU Physics is home to the largest share of DTU’s research in nuclear energy technologies. This includes modelling of molten salt reactors, research into radiation physics, and safety aspects of new reactor types. DTU’s course in reactor physics for Master’s students is anchored in DTU Physics.
Bent Lauritzen Senior Researcher, centerleader Department of Physics blau@dtu.dk
Amalia Chambon Senior Researcher Department of Physics amacha@dtu.dk
At DTU Chemistry, research is conducted into the chemical properties and applications of molten salts under different temperature and pressure conditions, including atomistic and thermodynamic simulations of radioactive materials. In addition, fundamental studies are conducted on the chemical properties and binding properties of uranium and thorium.
Klaus Braagaard Møller Professor Department of Chemistry kbmo@kemi.dtu.dk
Kasper Steen Pedersen Professor Department of Chemistry kastp@kemi.dtu.dk
Anders Riisager Professor Department of Chemistry ar@kemi.dtu.dk
DTU Construct conducts research into how molten salt and radioactivity affect the construction materials that can be used in SMRs. In addition, possible coatings and methods that can extend the service life of molten salt reactors are being investigated.
John Hald Professor Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering jhald@dtu.dk
Morten Stendahl Jellesen Associate Professor Department of Civil and Mechanical Engineering msje@dtu.dk
DTU Energy performs modelling of corrosion in molten salt facilities and is in the process of establishing laboratories to support research into molten salt technology for a range of energy forms, including nuclear power. The aim is to create a complete research environment where salts can be handled, characterised and investigated.
Qingfeng Li Professor Department of Energy Conversion and Storage qfli@dtu.dk
Dimitris Payton Killinger Development engineer Department of Energy Conversion and Storage dpaki@dtu.dk
Ivano Eligio Castelli Professor, Head of Section Department of Energy Conversion and Storage ivca@dtu.dk
DTU Sustain conducts research and provides scientific advice to public authorities on radioecology – the study of the presence, movement and interactions of radioactive substances in the environment. The research thus supports Denmark's preparedness in the event of nuclear accidents both within and outside the country's borders.
Jixin Qiao Professor Department of Environmental and Resource Engineering jiqi@dtu.dk
DTU Wind conducts research into how land structures affect wind and turbulence, which in turn determines the spread of radionuclides in the event of a nuclear accident. The focus is on developing models that provide an accurate picture of the spread in urban areas, where existing models are highly uncertain.
Ebba Dellwik Senior Researcher Department of Wind and Energy Systems ebde@dtu.dk
DTU Electro conducts research into the interaction between people and technology with a focus on developing methods that can make complex industrial systems safer, more efficient, and more sustainable.
Xinxin Zhang Associate Professor Department of Electrical and Photonics Engineering xinz@dtu.dk
DTU Management conducts research into public acceptance of various energy technologies, including nuclear power, and how knowledge about these technologies influences public preferences.
Jacob Ladenburg Professor Department of Technology, Management and Economics Jlad@dtu.dk
Research into nuclear power technologies is not inherently associated with any safety risk.
The research currently being conducted at DTU is primarily based on advanced computer models that simulate various conditions relating to both the design and operation of nuclear reactors.
Looking at nuclear power as an energy source, figures from Our World in Data, compiled by the University of Oxford among others, show that it is among the safest energy technologies in use today.
Based on historical data, nuclear power has caused 0.03 deaths per terawatt-hour of electricity produced. This is on a par with solar and wind energy, which stand at 0.02 and 0.04 respectively.
New reactor types, such as molten salt reactors, are being developed with a focus on making them even safer than existing plants.
DTU’s research contributes to increasing the safety of nuclear power, both for new and existing reactor types. Some of the research aims to help prevent accidents, while other sections aim to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
Nuclear research at DTU does not currently generate radioactive waste.
The Hevesy Laboratory at DTU Campus Risø produces radioactive substances for use in healthcare diagnostics and treatment as well as for medical research.
The small amount of radioactive waste generated by production is handled by Dansk Dekommissionering, which is also located at Risø. The research and production at the Hevesy Laboratory are however not part of the nuclear energy research at DTU.
The establishment of any future experimental facilities for nuclear research at DTU, e.g. a laboratory for characterising radioactive materials, will, like the activities at the Hevesy Laboratory, take place in close cooperation with the Danish authorities and in accordance with Danish and international legislation.
DTU's course in nuclear reactor physics for Master's students has seen a growing number of participants since it was first held in 2023. In 2025, 34 students completed the course.
From 2025, two new courses will be offered:
In 2025, Nuclear Energy DTU offered 13 student projects and special courses and continues to experience growing interest from both bachelor's and master's students.
Bent Lauritzen Senior Researcher, centerleader Department of Physics Phone: +45 46774906 Mobile: 2140 9131 blau@dtu.dk
Bent Lauritzen is head of the Centre for Nuclear Energy Technology. He has been researching nuclear physics for more than 30 years and is one of the few Danish researchers to have worked intensively with nuclear energy throughout his career.
