About our name

We’re named after the Danish physicist Hans Christian Ørsted. In 1820, Hans Christian Ørsted discovered electromagnetism and laid the foundation for the modern generation of electricity, which is at the core of our business.

Ørsted’s groundbreaking discovery was a result of his curiosity, passion, and interest in nature – qualities that inspire us as we work to create a world that runs entirely on green energy, through our leadership in offshore wind.

Who was Hans Christian Ørsted?

Hans Christian Ørsted was born in Rudkøbing, Denmark, in 1777. He studied pharmacology and graduated with top grades in 1797. In 1806, he became a professor of physics, primarily teaching experimental physics.

Ørsted sought to discover the fundamental laws of physics, and his countless experiments with the forces of nature led to the discovery of electromagnetism in 1820. From an international point of view, this discovery is his most famous achievement. It paved the way for a number of major technological advances, including the generation of electricity.

Ørsted had a thirst for knowledge. He understood the importance of the natural sciences for our everyday lives – and the difference knowledge can make. He created several scientific societies and was founding president of the institution that would become the Technical University of Denmark.