The appointment of Mattia Marinelli as a new professor reflects both a personal achievement and a strategic step for the department in reinforcing its leadership in electrification, digitalization, and prosumer integration.
“For me, becoming a professor is both a personal milestone and a professional responsibility,” he says. “It reflects years of dedication to research, teaching, and collaboration in the field of energy systems. However, this is not a final destination – it is an opportunity to further advance the academic field and help shape the next generation of engineers and researchers.”
The new professorship supports DTU’s broader mission to lead the transition to a more sustainable energy future, particularly in areas such as e-mobility and the integration of distributed energy resources.
Research with real-world impact
The professor’s research is grounded in a strong belief in bridging theory and practice. “I’m passionate about closing the gap between theoretical research and practical demonstrations,” he explains and elaborates: “The beauty of working with electric vehicles, photovoltaic systems, and distributed energy technologies is that I can test and experience these concepts firsthand.”
He is currently involved in six major EU and national projects. Among these are EV4EU, AHEAD, and FLOW – initiatives that explore how electric vehicles and distributed energy resources can be integrated into the grid in more intelligent and flexible ways. A newly awarded EU project, SOLAR MOVE, investigates the potential of combining photovoltaic energy with road transport, particularly in the context of electrifying heavy-duty vehicles.
Another area of focus for the new professor is bidirectional charging, a field in which DTU has been active for over a decade. The current work is aimed at moving this technology from research to commercial deployment, enabling prosumers to contribute more actively to energy system stability and renewable integration.
Looking ahead
In his new role, Mattia Marinelli aims to accelerate the development and deployment of cost-effective bidirectional charging systems. These systems will support the planning and operation of future charging infrastructure for all types of vehicles, helping to increase the share of renewables in Europe’s energy mix.
He also plans to expand educational offerings at DTU. “I wish to establish dedicated PhD and Master’s courses that will benefit both our students and professionals looking to upskill in this fast-evolving field,” he says.
A Collaborative Effort
While the professorship is a personal achievement, the professor emphasizes the importance of collaboration. “I am incredibly proud of the diverse and talented group I work with,” he says. “Innovation thrives in diversity, and that is one of our greatest strengths at DTU.”
The department looks forward to celebrating this milestone at his inaugural lecture, which will take place at DTU, Risø Campus on Thursday 2 October.
