Carl Hentzen

Carl Johan Wilhelm Hentzen (1 November 1863 - 14 November 1937) was a Danish engineer who worked for Københavns Belysningsvæsen. He played a key role in the planning of Copenhagen Western and Rastern Power Stations.

Early life and education Hentzen was born on 1 November 1863 in Copenhagen, the son of master baker Johan Wilhelm H. (1832–1917) and Caroline Broch (1825–1914). He completed his secondary schooling in 1879 and earned his engineering exam from the College of Advanced Technology in 1885. In the following year, he continued his education abroad, studying electrical engineering in Germany and England.

Career Hentzen's first employment was at DSB's workshops in Aarhus. In 1888, he returned to Copenhagen to work for Københavns Belysningsvæsen. He participated in the planning of the city's first electrical power station at the corner of Gothersgade and Adelgade. After he was first as its deputy manager (1892) and then as chief operator (1896). He subsequently headed the construction of the western and eastern power stations. The Western Power Station was completed at the corner of Tietgensgade and Bernstoffsgade in 1899. It was followed by the Eastern Power Station in 1902.

He retired from the position as chief engineer of Københavns Belysningsvæsen in 1929.

Personal life

On 3 March 1896, Hentzen was married to Alma Marie Vilhelmine Therkelsen (18551914). She was a daughter of royal carriage master Carl Frederik Ferdinand Therkelsen (1839–1914) and Nielsine Vilhelmine Emilie Mortensen (1839–80). On 24 June 1916, Hentzen married secondly to Jenny Marie Hatting (1877-1951). She was a daughter of businessman Jens Jensen Hatting (1850–1934) and Mathilde Peteria Nielsen (1856–1924). He was created a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog in 1923. He was awarded the Order of the Dannebrog's Cross of Gonour in 1929.

Hentzen died on 14 November 1937. He is buried in Frederiksberg Old Cemetery.