Solar-cell researcher receives the Grundfos Prize

- I believe that we have to find part of future energy supply in the sun. We have to procure the huge amounts of energy that hit the earth every day but are not collected or stored.

Therefore, it is our duty to recognise research – and, not least, the people who research in the use of solar power for people. They focus on new solutions and suggestions to the challenges that are waiting in the future, said Niels Due Jensen, Chairman of the Poul Due Jensen Foundation and of the jury of the Grundfos Prize.

Unique technology

Frederik Christian Krebs drew attention to himself in materials research and he developed environmentally friendly, renewable technique for the production of plastic solar cells. So he contributes to making polymer solar cells an inexpensive alternative to the silicon based solar cells known today.

- The Grundfos Prize for me is the unmatched, greatest technical recognition to be won in Denmark. It enables me to invest in equipment which I am sure will place Denmark positively but which too risky for gaining public support. Apart from being deeply honoured, I know that the Grundfos Prize will bring me up front and it means I’ll have plenty of opportunities to bring Danish Industry up front, said Mr Krebs on receiving the prize.

Mr Krebs headed the establishment of the research field and today he is the head of a major research group which is among the leading groups in the world within the field of the development of a new generation of polymer solar cells. The unique feature is that the solar cells can be produces in large amounts at low prices and, at the same time they have sufficient performance and durability for practical use.

Money for research

It is the tenth time the Grundfos Prize is given out. The aim is to stimulate, recognise and support national and international research in ground-breaking solutions that are useful for the community within technology and natural science. The Grundfos Prize is of DKK 1 million, of which DKK 250,000 are for personal use whereas the remaining DKK 750,000 is earmarked research.

Facts

Frederik Christian Krebs is Master of Chemistry from the University of Copenhagen and has a PhD from the Technical University of Denmark

He has previously studied in Scotland and France.

In 2010 he was appointed Professor at the Technical University of Denmark.

He has published 150 publications in international science journals and he has written two books and a great number of reports and articles.