Environmental Agency denies Effo permission for Eysturlund wind farm in Faroe Islands

The Environmental Agency of the Faroe Islands finds itself in a peculiar situation as it is forced to deny Effo permission to construct the significant wind farm Eysturlund, despite its goals to reduce CO2 emissions and promote greener initiatives in the country.

Effo’s proposal included building an enormous wind farm in Lambahagan and establishing a power line to Fuglafjørður. This energy would be utilized to generate steam for Havsbrún’s machinery, which currently relies on heavy fuel oil for steam production.

However, the application failed to meet legal criteria, leading the Environmental Agency to decline Effo’s request. A central issue is whether the project constitutes a power network. Effo argues it does not, while the Electricity Authority contends it does qualify as a network. Ultimately, the agency’s interpretation, as the governing body, will prevail in this matter.

Effo has the option to appeal the decision or take legal action if an agreement cannot be reached with the authorities.

An audio report covering this situation was featured in the midday news today.