Solar power fuels Aarhus University’s path to carbon neutrality

Aarhus University has taken a major step toward its goal of carbon neutrality by 2040 with the commissioning of a high-impact solar installation at DTU Risø Campus in Roskilde. The system, built in collaboration with Co2Pro Danmark and powered by LONGi’s high-efficiency full-black back contact modules, is part of the university’s 2020-2025 climate strategy, which targets a 35% CO₂ reduction by 2025.

Clean energy powers science, cutting nearly 23,000 kg of CO₂ emissions annually

The installation spans 1,708 square meters across five campus buildings and consists of 875 LONGi high-efficiency back contact modules. It is expected to generate 349,008 kilowatt-hours of electricity annually - offsetting approximately 22,672 kilograms of CO₂ emissions per year.

As part of the broader sustainability plan, Aarhus University is evaluating the solar potential of all its buildings. DTU Risø Campus in Roskilde is one of four strategic locations where the Faculty of Technical Sciences is advancing solar projects. The site's large, freestanding buildings are ideally suited for solar energy generation.

In a statement from September 2024, Eskild Holm Nielsen, Dean of the Faculty of Technical Sciences at Aarhus University, said: “It's great that the solar cell project in Roskilde has come so far that it can be put into use. The university has a responsibility for the green transition, and we want to be committed to developing society in a sustainable direction."  

Enabling Denmark’s innovation ecosystem

The project is also a key enabler of the Risø Gateway initiative, a future-focused innovation district being developed at DTU Risø Campus. The Gateway aims to unite academic research, municipalities, and industry in advancing green technologies and shaping more sustainable urban environments. As one of the first major energy infrastructure elements on site, the solar installation demonstrates how clean energy can integrate seamlessly into educational and innovation ecosystems.

Will Han, General Manager Northern Europe at LONGi, commented: “This project reflects how public institutions, local industry, and technology providers can work together to accelerate the green transition. We're proud that our back contact technology is helping Aarhus University take measurable steps toward climate neutrality. We would also like to thank our partner Co2Pro for the seamless collaboration and their continued trust in LONGi."

Dive into the installation here: