Frede Hvelplund

Frede Hvelplund is a Professor in the Department of Sustainability and Planning at the Technical Faculty of IT and Design, Aalborg University, Denmark. His research is centered on sustainable energy planning, renewable energy systems, and energy transitions, with a strong focus on policy, ownership models, and decentralized energy systems.

• Institution: Aalborg University
• School: Technical Faculty of IT and Design
• Department: Department of Sustainability and Planning
• Role: Professor
• Email: hvelplund@plan.aau.dk

His research interests include 100% renewable energy systems, smart energy systems, district heating, energy democracy, and carbon lock-in. He investigates how energy systems can transition from fossil fuels to sustainable models through technological, economic, and social innovations. His work emphasizes community-based energy ownership and the integration of wind power and decentralized generation.

The recent articles reflect a consistent focus on energy policy reform, regulatory challenges in natural monopolies, citizen engagement in energy communities, and critiques of current energy assumptions. His publications span energy modeling, policy analysis, and socio-technical transitions, particularly in Denmark and Europe.

Scientific awards include:

• Winner of the EUROSOLAR European Solar Prize (2008)
• Den Europæiske Solpris (2001)

He has supervised multiple PhD students and led or co-led 22 research projects, including EU Horizon 2020 initiatives. His work is frequently cited in media and policy debates. He is actively involved in public discourse on energy transition, with over 372 press/media appearances. He is not part-time, not retired, and remains a central figure in sustainable energy research.

He is affiliated with the Sustainable Energy Planning Research Group and contributes to national and international energy strategy discussions. His work bridges academic research, policy formulation, and public engagement, making him a leading voice in the green transition.