How can the future electricity system function like the internet? That question set the stage for this year’s Energy Network Day at Karlatornet on May 11, where more than 120 researchers and PhD students – representing a majority of Chalmers’ energy researchers – gathered for a day filled with new ideas, collaborations and award-winning posters.
As an inspiring introduction, tech entrepreneur Jonas Birgersson – who contributed to breaking the Swedish telecom monopoly through the broadband expansion and whose work ultimately helped pave the way for the ongoing phase-out of the copper network – described how future electricity systems could function in a way similar to the internet.
This is now technically and economically possible thanks to inexpensive renewable electricity, low-cost batteries and affordable electronics for handling 1 kV direct current, and legally possible through EU regulations on energy communities.
During the day, researchers recruited through the energy area’s strategic initiatives presented their work, while others spoke about what it is like to conduct research on politically controversial energy issues.
The conference also featured Lena Neij, Professor at the International Institute for Industrial Environmental Economics (IIIEE) at Lund University and newly appointed Head of the Department of Space, Earth and Environment at Chalmers. She spoke about her background and collaborations, and mentioned that she will continue her research at Lund University and remain active there one day a week.
Mats Rydehell, former co-director of the Area of Advance Energy, also highlighted some of the most successful projects from the Area of Advance Energy’s more than 15-year history, which he is currently compiling.
No fewer than 43 scientific posters were presented in a fast-paced one-minute format and later displayed during the breaks. The research projects behind the posters covered areas such as renewable electricity production, wind power, energy systems, electrification and next-generation batteries. Three winners were selected in the annual poster competition.
The day also provided opportunities for networking and new collaborations between researchers from different departments and universities.
Three PhD students awarded in the poster competition at Energy Network Day 2026
Three PhD students were awarded in this year’s poster competition during Energy Network Day at Karlatornet on May 11. Their research ranges from sustainable extraction of critical materials and circular plastic recycling to how buildings are affected by future heatwaves.
The first prize consisted of SEK 15,000 for a scientific conference trip, while the second- and third-prize winners received SEK 10,000 each.
Here, the winners talk about their projects, why their research matters right now – and what it was like to present everything in just one minute.
Arushi Kanojia
PhD student in Energy and Materials at the Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
Received first prize in this year’s poster competition for her research on sustainable processes for separating critical materials for future energy systems.
– It feels really good and honestly quite unexpected. Last time I participated, I did not win, and this year there were more than 40 posters. I was satisfied with my presentation, but I did not expect to receive the first prize, so it was a very happy moment for me.
What is your research about, briefly?
– My research (first part of PhD) focuses on the separation of uranium and thorium from rare earth element ores using more sustainable extraction processes, as they often end up as waste in standard procedures. Both materials also play a role in future nuclear energy systems and are important in relation to European radioactive regulations.
Later, my focus will be on rare earth materials, as they are important for renewable energy technologies such as wind turbines and electric vehicles. The challenge is to separate them from one another.
What was the most inspiring part of the day?
– The most inspiring part was seeing so many interesting research projects connected to energy and sustainability in one place. It was motivating to discuss ideas with researchers from different fields and also very encouraging to receive positive feedback on my work.
Why is your research area important right now?
– This research is important because Europe needs sustainable and secure sources of critical raw materials for the green energy transition. Developing cleaner and more efficient separation processes can help reduce dependence on imports and support the renewable energy transition through both permanent magnets from rare earth elements and nuclear energy technologies.
What was it like presenting your research in just one minute?
– It was a fun challenge. Presenting in one minute helped me focus on the most important points of my research and explain them in a simple and clear way.
Eliette Lacaze-Masmonteil
PhD student in Energy Technology at the Department of Environmental and Energy Sciences.
Received second prize for her research on how complex waste streams can be used to produce new plastics and contribute to more circular material flows.
– Given that it took quite a lot of work to make the poster, it feels rewarding to win! I think I particularly enjoyed the process of making the poster because it was an opportunity for me to combine two passions of mine: research and art (specifically drawing).
What is your research about, briefly?
– My research focuses on enabling the production of new plastics from complex waste streams. While this has already been demonstrated at semi-industrial scale at Chalmers, integrating this technology into the existing petrochemical industry remains challenging.
One problem is that complex waste contains unwanted species that can affect downstream processing, which is where the building blocks needed to make new plastics are recovered. My work is currently focused on identifying what species are of concern, understanding how they are formed and using this knowledge to explore how they can be removed.
What was the most inspiring part of the day?
– I found the fire-hose presentations quite inspiring. Based on my own experience, it is not easy to present your research in one minute and I was personally quite impressed by how clearly and effectively everyone managed to communicate their work within such a short time.
Why is your research area important right now?
– As many know, waste is a problem and we are in need of technology which can enable circular plastic flows in society. Current recycling systems are often limited to relatively clean and well-sorted plastic streams. In comparison, real-world waste is highly complex.
My research contributes to developing solutions that can handle these more challenging waste fractions, which is essential if we want to significantly increase recycling rates and move towards a truly circular plastics system.
What was it like presenting your research in just one minute?
– Presenting your research in one minute is something that we often have to do when we are asked to describe our research, either when we interact with scientists in other fields, at conferences and even in everyday conversations. It can be difficult to find the right words to clearly explain your work while also making it engaging enough that people want to know more.
But I believe this is an important skill to develop because it opens up the door for further discussions. These conversations can improve your own understanding of your research and provide new perspectives which you might not otherwise encounter.
Mats Persson
PhD student at the Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering
Received third prize in this year’s poster competition for his research on how Swedish homes are affected by heatwaves and high indoor temperatures.
– It feels very honouring and exciting that my poster received an award. It is inspiring to be able to show what you are working on and at the same time receive confirmation that it is appreciated.
What is your research about, briefly?
– My research focuses on developing data-driven methods to investigate how homes in Sweden handle heatwaves and overheating. I work with large amounts of historical indoor temperature data to identify patterns in how buildings respond during hot summer days. The goal is to identify which buildings are most in need of interventions.
What was the most inspiring part of the day?
– The most inspiring part of Energy Network Day was seeing the enormous breadth of energy research at Chalmers. These kinds of networking events are really important for bringing people together across departmental boundaries.
Why is your research area important right now?
– The climate is changing and heatwaves are considered one of the greatest risks to human health. If we cannot manage high temperatures, people risk becoming ill or, in the worst case, dying. Our research can contribute to a better understanding of how current and future buildings cope with heat and help develop solutions that are both energy efficient and resilient to high temperatures.
What was it like presenting your research in just one minute?
– It was very special. One minute feels much longer when you are the one standing there presenting than when someone else is speaking. It was a very good exercise in focusing on what matters most.
- Research Professor, Environmental Systems Analysis, Environmental and Energy Sciences
- Director of Studies, Life Sciences
- Professor, Chemical Physics, Physics and Astronomy
