How far should we expand our classroom to showcase transformative technologies for a sustainable future? For DTU Professor Wenjing (Angela) Zhang, the answer is clear: we need to move beyond the traditional lecture hall to sites like GreenLab Skive, where these technologies are transforming how we clean water, produce energy, and recover resources.
On a cool autumn morning, Professor Zhang brought her class out of the traditional lecture hall and into the innovative setting of GreenLab Skive. This industrial park serves as a living laboratory, where sustainable water and energy solutions are being tested and implemented to address one of the world's most pressing challenges: climate change.
As part of the Master course in Physio-Chemical Water Treatment Technologies at DTU Sustain 18 students from various master's programs, had the chance to visit this innovative green cluster for the first time. GreenLab Skive serves as a real-world example of how green technologies and a symbiotic approach can thrive together on a large scale.
"Learning about these technologies through PowerPoint slides is one thing but seeing them in action—experiencing firsthand how knowledge transforms into sustainable solutions—is a powerful way not only to inform but, more importantly, to inspire," says Professor Wenjing Angela Zhang. "By exposing our students to these real-world examples, we aim to equip them with a solid understanding, as well as the skills and motivation to apply that knowledge, tackle real-world challenges, and create value for our society."
Green Inspiration
In Greenlab Skive, where the integration of different systems is in focus, you'll find pyrolysis and biogas plants where experiments are being conducted with the latest sustainable fuel technology.
During the visit, the students are introduced to a wastewater treatment plant where the water is led to a Power-to-X plant and split into hydrogen in an electrolyser. This can be used to produce sustainable fuel. Here they see the interaction between the water treatment technology they work with in class and the creation green hydrogen through Power-to-X. This highlights how they, when graduated with their specialised knowledge, can play a role in the green transition.
Christos Kommatas, who is studying the master’s programme Environmental Engineering, participated in the trip to GreenLab Skive and is very excited about the opportunity:
“It's really inspiring to see how we can apply the theoretical knowledge from the course. Going on a trip like this, where you see and experience something new, is quite motivating compared to just having lectures.”
“Perhaps most importantly, the trip has helped me realise that I enjoy what I’m studying and can see myself working in this field in the future,” says Christos Kommatas.
