Senior Researcher Paul van der Laan from DTU Wind and Energy Systems has been awarded the Kalundborg Refinery Prize 2026, Denmark’s oldest technology award. The prize was presented on 13 March at the National Museum of Denmark in recognition of his pioneering contributions to fluid mechanics for wind energy. As Paul became a father to his second child on the same day, the award was received on his behalf by colleagues from DTU Wind and Energy Systems.
Over the past decade, Paul has become a leading figure in wind farm aerodynamics and the interaction between large wind farms and the atmospheric boundary layer. His work combines deep physical insight with elegant analytical modelling, enabling simulations of farm to farm interactions inside wind farm clusters. His key scientific contributions include a widely used turbulence model for turbine wakes, a simplified inflow model for stable and neutral atmospheric conditions, and a recent extension capturing temperature and buoyancy effects. His research has also fostered strong collaboration with industry, including Equinor.
Recognised for Scientific Depth and Collaboration
Colleagues (Head of Department Morten Jeppesen, Professor Henrik Bredmose and Head of Division Kenneth Thomsen) highlight Paul’s unique profile as a researcher:
“Paul bridges physical insight and numerical modelling in a way that allows real world problems to be solved with clarity and precision. He combines scientific depth with openness, curiosity and generosity, and he has had significant impact on both research and industry.”
In a personal reflection, Paul emphasized that the award is shared with the many collaborators who have shaped his research journey:
“Research is really a product of collaboration and rarely the work of a single individual. Just counting the number of different co authors on my first author papers: 38 – shows that this prize is also a recognition of them. I am deeply grateful to my colleagues at DTU and beyond for years of inspiring teamwork”, he says and adds: “And of course, becoming a father to my daughter Ellie on the same day was an even better prize to receive.”
The Kalundborg Refinery Prize – formerly the Statoil Prize – has been awarded since 1950 to researchers who have made exceptional scientific, technical or societal contributions. This year’s award underscores the growing importance of wind energy research and reaffirms DTU’s strong international position in the field.
