Faglige nøgleord: energy, renewables, CO2, sustainable fuels, innovation, industry
Oplæg tilgængeligt på: Engelsk og spansk
My project
My research explores how we can turn two big challenges, excess renewable energy and CO₂ emissions, into a solution. Using a technology called Solid Oxide Electrolysis Cell, we can combine captured CO₂ with water and surplus electricity from wind and solar to produce fuels like hydrogen or methanol. These fuels can be stored and later used in existing infrastructure, helping us move toward a more sustainable and circular energy system.
However, there is a hidden challenge: under certain conditions, carbon can build up inside the system, similar to soot in a car engine. This can damage the technology and reduce its lifetime. In my PhD, I study when and why this carbon forms, how to detect it early, and how to operate the system in a more stable way to prevent it.
During the session, I aim to make this topic accessible and engaging for students. I will:
- bring a real SOEC cell (a small ceramic component) so they can see the technology up close
- ask interactive questions throughout to encourage participation and critical thinking
- include a short, fun quiz to keep students involved and check their understanding
The goal is for students not only to learn about an emerging clean energy technology, but also to think about real-world problems and solutions, and see how science and engineering can directly impact society.
About me
Born in the year 2000, in the beautiful city of Barcelona, Spain. In high school, I knew I enjoyed physics and problem-solving, but I struggled to choose a specific path. That’s why I decided to study Industrial Engineering in Barcelona, which is closer to general engineering and allowed me to explore different fields. That decision turned out to be very valuable.
Over time, I discovered a strong interest in energy systems, and in my final year of the bachelor’s I specialised in alternative energy sources. I continued in the same direction during my master’s, focusing more on energy technology and electrical energy (double speciality).
During my studies, I also had the opportunity to spend time abroad: one term in high school in New Zealand and one university semester in San Diego. These experiences helped me realise I wanted an international career.
My interest in green hydrogen and renewable energy eventually led me to Denmark, which is a pioneer in technologies like SOEC. I initially moved there to complete my master’s thesis in a company (Dynelectro ApS).
After a few months, I was offered the opportunity to stay as an Industrial PhD student. This meant applying for a competitive grant, which was challenging—but successful.
Today, I work between industry and academia, which gives me a unique perspective:
- one foot in real-world applications
- one foot in research and fundamental understanding
Looking back, I also realise that there were multiple possible paths to get here. I sometimes think doing a more specialised master’s in energy conversion earlier might have made things easier, but at the same time, I still reached the same destination. That experience taught me that there is no single “perfect path”.
Finally, I think an important message for students is that a PhD is not just about working all the time. While it can be demanding, I strongly believe in maintaining healthy boundaries and work-life balance—and I’m fortunate to be in a team that supports that.