A boost for research into energy technologies and energy systems. Tailwind for businesses with sustainable ambitions. And a boost to Roskilde as a city of education and business. This is how the potential is described by the two parties behind a new strategic partnership agreement to expand Risø north of Roskilde. An agreement that DTU President, Anders Bjarklev, and the Mayor of Roskilde Municipality, Tomas Breddam, signed on Tuesday, 7 November.
DTU has decided to relocate two study programmes with around 200 MSc students to the area before 2030. The local plan enables the establishment of businesse in the area. This fits perfectly with Roskilde’s ambitions to attract businesses that meet global sustainability challenges. At the Risø of the future, they will be able to innovate in close interaction with researchers and students.
“With this agreement, we are initiating the process of developing Risø into an international powerhouse for sustainable energy. We have a unique opportunity to build on the existing facilities and expertise in the area and in the rest of Roskilde Municipality—they provide perfect conditions for businesses, researchers, and students,” says Mayor Tomas Breddam.
Huge research and business potential
There is also great satisfaction at DTU. DTU already has a large campus environment, and the many new students and facilities provide a basis for turning the expanded Risø into a research and business area with up to 4,000 jobs.
“We have clear ambitions to become a global hub for sustainable energy, and Risø and Roskilde Municipality have great potential for this. The expansion will be made in partnership with large Danish and international companies and in close collaboration with local businesses, where our students can perform challenging assignments for industrial application,” says DTU President Anders Bjarklev.
The total development area amounts to 500,000 square metres, and the applicable local plan makes it possible to construct a new campus as well as additional research and testing facilities of approximately 248,000 square metres during the first stage.
