Denmark faces challenges over viability of Energy Island Bornholm project

On a field near Sose on Bornholm, Lise Dandanell envisions the land that will eventually host the planned Energy Island Bornholm. According to former Climate Minister Dan Jørgensen, this project could usher Denmark into “a new era in the Danish wind adventure.” However, dreams can be costly, and now the country’s economic advisers recommend abandoning the plans for the energy island unless it can be shown to yield a societal economic surplus.

Dandanell, chair of the Energy Island Bornholm Citizen Association, welcomes this clear message, as the association primarily consists of neighbors to the upcoming land facility, which will transmit electricity from offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea to Zealand and Germany. These neighbors hope the advisers’ recommendation will halt the plans. “It can’t be right that we just move forward if the experts say this won’t work,” Dandanell stated.

A number of political parties supported the agreement in 2020 that established plans for the energy island and secured funding of 17.6 billion DKK last year. Yet, calculations from the Energy Agency indicate that the total cost might be nearly double, amounting to 31.5 billion DKK. The advisers want a detailed analysis showing societal economic justification for this budget increase.

Liberal Alliance and Conservative Party members have expressed the need for clarity. “If the project exceeds 17 billion DKK, we cannot support it. The government should halt the project in that case,” stated Conservative leader Mona Juul. Steffen Frølund from Liberal Alliance echoed these concerns, emphasizing the importance of economic viability for Danish taxpayers.

Climate, Energy, and Supply Minister Lars Aagaard mentioned that the advisers’ report does not present new figures concerning the project. He believes Energy Island Bornholm is crucial for lowering electricity prices, ensuring European energy security, and reducing dependence on Russian gas, as well as fostering regional development and job creation. The feasibility of the project will rest on the upcoming offshore wind tender outcomes.