DKK 8.2 million from the Danish Board of Business Development to strengthen Residential College Bornholm and attract more universities to the island
Bornholm is taking yet another important step toward becoming a national and international centre for green energy with a strong focus on innovation, education, and research in energy islands. Together with the Technical University of Denmark, Roskilde University, and Business Center Bornholm, the Baltic Energy Island Foundation has just received DKK 8.2 million from the Danish Board of Business Development to significantly expand the activities at Residential College Bornholm – the island’s hub for students, researchers, and businesses.
The total budget for the activities is DKK 12.6 million. Over the next three years, it will enable the development of new courses, field stays, summer schools, internships, student projects, and research activities in close collaboration with Danish universities and the local business community. This comes at a time when Bornholm is preparing for major investments and business opportunities linked to Energy Island Bornholm.
The project is carried out in collaboration with the Technical University of Denmark, Roskilde University, Business Center Bornholm, and Baltic Energy Island, and the ambition is to involve two additional Danish universities. This will significantly strengthen Bornholm’s access to knowledge, talent, and research capacity and create new opportunities for companies wishing to develop green technologies, solutions, and business models.
“It is absolutely crucial – and very good timing”
According to Søren Møller Christensen, CEO of Baltic Energy Island, the funding comes at a particularly important moment:
“It is absolutely crucial – and very good timing. We need to use the next three years to strengthen our activities and bring even more universities into Residential College Bornholm. With Roskilde University as a new partner and with funding to attract activities from two additional universities, we will be in a strong position when we move into the new Rønne Historic Power Plant in 2028.”
DTU expands its engagement on Bornholm
DTU has been part of Residential College since its inception and is significantly expanding its presence on the island through the new project.
Carsten Orth Gaarn Larsen, Executive Vice President at the Technical University of Denmark, states:
“Residential College on Bornholm is an important priority for the Technical University of Denmark. Over the next three years, we look forward to involving even more study programmes in collaboration with companies, including from DTU Space. This is very positive and creates opportunities for students and researchers, together with industry, to work on some of the most current challenges within green energy, data, and critical infrastructure.”
RUC: “A fantastic place for students to learn”
Roskilde University is a new partner in the collaboration around Residential College Bornholm and Rønne Historic Power Plant.
Simon Bolwig, Programme Director of Roskilde University’s Master’s in Sustainable Transitions, sees great potential:
“We are very pleased to be part of Residential College Bornholm. Bornholm – especially with Bornholm Energy Island – is a fantastic place for our students to apply their methods and theories in practice. Here, they encounter real-world challenges and have the chance to work with green transition, energy, and sustainable development in a local context, in collaboration with businesses, authorities, and civil society.”
Local businesses: “It strengthens innovation – and our recruitment”
For Bornholm’s business community, the project is both an innovation boost and an opportunity to attract qualified labour.
Christa Lodahl, Head of Business at Business Center Bornholm, says:
“This is of great importance to the local business community. It is a strategic priority to give our companies access to students and researchers because we know it strengthens innovation and competitiveness. And with more than 600 students coming to Bornholm during the project period, we also have a unique opportunity to showcase the island’s businesses and open their eyes to working and living here.”
Contact information
Søren Møller Christensen, CEO, Baltic Energy Island – +45 25721482
Dorthe Skovgaard Lund, Project Manager, Technological University of Denmark – +45 21362697
Christa Lodahl, Head of Business, Business Center Bornholm – +45 30502128
Simon Bolwig, Programme Director, Roskilde University – +45 21327925
FACTS
Residential College Bornholm – history and status
Through Residential College Bornholm, the Technical University of Denmark has, over the past four years, sent more than 350 students and four researchers to Bornholm. Additionally, 40 students have completed projects on Bornholm or in close collaboration with local businesses. Today, the work is anchored in Baltic Energy Island’s temporary facilities on Rolighedsgade in Rønne, but from 2028 it will move into the restored Rønne Historic Power Plant. Rønne Historic Power Plant was purchased on 1 January 2025 by Realdania By & Byg, which is currently renovating the building.
Residential College Bornholm – Green Skills
The new project, “Residential College Bornholm – Green Skills,” represents a significant expansion of existing activities.
Budget
DKK 12.6 million
Of which DKK 6.2 million is funded by the European Social Fund Plus (EU), and DKK 2 million by the Danish Board of Business Development under the national scheme “Erhvervsfyrtårne III.” The remaining amount is funded by the project partners.
Purpose
To build the skills needed in relation to Energy Island Bornholm by developing courses, summer schools, internships, field stays, and student projects in collaboration with at least four universities.
Activities
- Courses in energy technology, innovation, and critical infrastructure
- Summer school on Bornholm
- Field stays, internships, and semester projects
Expected impact
- More than 600 students participating in activities on Bornholm during the project period
- Strengthened access to knowledge and labour for local businesses
- Competence building and innovation supported by university presence
- Anchoring at Rønne Gl. Elværk from 2028
Project period
1 March 2026 – 31 December 2028
Partnere
- Baltic Energy Island (project lead)
- Technical University of Denmark (DTU)
- Roskilde University (RUC)
- Business Center Bornholm
