From Hundested to agricultural research
With roots in Kenya, a childhood in Denmark, and current research in agrivoltaics, Kamau Lindhardt is working to create a future where sustainable agriculture and renewable energy go hand in hand. His journey spans from tropical agroforestry systems in South America to advanced agrotechnological research projects in Europe – all driven by a passion for solving global challenges.

Kamau Lindhardt grew up in both Copenhagen and Hundested, a town on the Halsnæs peninsula in Northern Zealand. In Hundested, the sea and nature played a central role in his childhood, sparking his early interest in natural sciences. During high school at Vibenshus HTX in Østerbro, Copenhagen, he studied biotechnology, captivated by how nature’s processes could be explained through science and technology. “I’ve always been fascinated by the language of nature,” he explains. This fascination became a driving force in his academic and professional journey.
From seafarer to academic farmer
Growing up near the fjord and the sea ignited Kamau Lindhardt’s fascination with life at sea. After high school, he pursued a student position aboard the training ship Georg Stage. The ship not only provides a renowned and versatile education but also immerses students in Denmark’s rich maritime heritage. “I needed to test my dream of becoming a seafarer,” Kamau Lindhardt shares, adding, “My time on Georg Stage means the world to me — and while I chose to stay on land rather than pursue a maritime career, I gained invaluable skills, respect for and knowledge about the sea, along with lifelong friendships.”
Educational path: from natural resources to plant science
Back on shore, Kamau Lindhardt began a bachelor’s degree in Natural Resources at the University of Copenhagen, specializing in plants. The program exposed him to a broad range of topics, from natural sciences to socioeconomics, providing him with a holistic understanding of agricultural systems. For his bachelor’s project, he worked with DLF, applying biotechnological methods to develop more sustainable grass breeding. “I quickly realized that while the crucial, intricate processes in plants were fascinating, I was more interested in practical management,” he says about his decision to shift focus to field- and farm-level work.
His job as a student assistant at the University of Copenhagen’s experimental farm in Taastrup particularly influenced his interest in agricultural research from a practical perspective. “It was both fun and educational to operate various farm machinery and assist researchers, many of whom were also my lecturers, with their field experiments,” he recalls.
From South America to Copenhagen
After saving up by working in a kindergarten on Amager, Copenhagen, Kamau Lindhardt spent a year traveling and working in Brazil and Colombia. Here, he gained firsthand experience with nature’s diversity and tropical agriculture by working on both large commercial farms and smaller community-based projects. These experiences deepened his understanding of how climate and culture shape agricultural systems. “The feeling of being in direct contact with nature’s systems by working the land and harvesting its fruits created a deep respect for farmers worldwide, both small-scale and large-scale,” he says. “It also brought back memories of visiting my grandparents on their small farms in Kenya, where I learned early on the value of hard work, perseverance, and nature’s generosity.”
His time in South America opened his eyes to the global variations in farming and how nature influences cultivation methods. The experiences also reconnected him with his Kenyan heritage, where much of Kamau Lindhardt’s family depends on small-scale farming. “My grandparents have always been a big inspiration to me,” he shares. “Seeing how they cultivate their land to sustain the family has shaped my understanding and passion for agriculture.”
After completing his bachelor’s degree, Kamau Lindhardt pursued a master’s degree in Plant Sciences and Geoinformatics at Wageningen University in the Netherlands, one of the world’s leading universities in agriculture and environmental studies. His time in the Netherlands allowed him to delve into global research projects while gaining insights into optimized agricultural practices and their environmental challenges. “It was insightful to see how the Dutch tackle similar challenges to those we face in Denmark, only on an even larger scale,” he explains.
Satellite data and agronomy at the Danish Agricultural Agency
Returning from the Netherlands, Kamau Lindhardt secured a position at the Danish Agricultural Agency in Copenhagen. “I landed in a fantastic team focused on satellite-based monitoring of Danish farmland. Here, I could truly apply my qualifications,” he shares. As a supporting GIS Specialist, he contributed to developing new regulatory models ensuring Denmark’s compliance with EU directives on environmental issues like water management, without severely impacting agricultural conditions. Although the tasks were engaging, Kamau Lindhardt missed the hands-on connection with the land.
Researching agrivoltaics – the future of sustainable farming
Today, Kamau Lindhardt is pursuing a PhD at Aarhus University as part of the EU-funded Value4Farm project, where he researches agrivoltaics – the combination of agriculture and solar energy. “We’re studying how vertical solar panels affect crop growth and quality,” he explains. The project investigates the effects of shade and shelter on winter wheat, clover grass, and soybeans. Kamau Lindhardt sees agrivoltaics as a solution to some of the biggest challenges in food production and renewable energy. “This is a multifunctional way to utilize our land, allowing us to grow food while producing sustainable electricity,” he says.
A researcher with a global perspective
Kamau Lindhardt has a clear vision for the future: “I want to help optimize sustainable farming systems, both in Denmark and globally.” His motivation stems from a strong curiosity and a desire to make a difference for farmers and the environment. “Finding solutions that can make a real positive impact on the future of agriculture is what drives me,” he says.
Outside of work, Kamau Lindhardt enjoys nature and spending time with family and friends. He practices capoeira, kitesurfs, plays music, and writes poetry. He has also converted a mini-van into a camper, dreaming of future adventures. “I think it’s important to take time to explore new things, reflect, and dream,” he says. “It gives energy for both work and everyday life.”
Opportunities for the future
Kamau Lindhardt represents a generation of researchers combining natural science, societal understanding, and global perspectives to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Working with agrivoltaics feels natural to him. It’s not just exciting research; it’s essential for a sustainable future. He sees great potential in integrating technology with an understanding of nature’s processes and resources through agriculture to address both the food and energy crises.
“Agrivoltaics, or ‘solar farming,’ is still a new field, but it has the potential to transform the way we grow crops and generate energy. I hope my research can help pave the way for practical solutions that can be implemented globally – from small farms in Kenya to large energy facilities in Denmark,” he says.
With a deep passion for innovation and a clear understanding of global challenges, Kamau Lindhardt looks forward to continuing his journey at the intersection of agriculture and renewable energy. “We face great challenges, but with the right solutions, we can create a future that benefits both people and the planet.”
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