Thisted council may abandon award-winning citizen-led green energy model

The Thy model, a citizen consultation system for wind and solar projects that won Denmark’s 2026 municipal climate prize, could be dismantled Wednesday evening if Thisted’s council approves two renewable energy developments rejected in local ballots, DR reports.

Residents near the proposed Røjkær project—six 180-meter turbines and 40 hectares of solar panels—voted 63.5% against it in a non-binding referendum. Neighbor Martin Christensen called the model “dead” if politicians override the result, urging the council to return its climate award. “It should be straightforward to reject this when the vote is so clear,” he said.

A second project, Spolum, also faced a 55.9% “no” vote but advanced through committee reviews. While the climate and environment committee initially opposed Røjkær, the finance committee later reversed that decision.

Jens Tilma (Conservative), chair of the climate committee, warned the model’s credibility hinges on respecting local opposition. “Thy won praise for citizen engagement and local value creation—now it must prove it by listening,” he said. Council votes on both projects are expected Wednesday.