Demolition begins for Bornholm energy island project

Demolition work for the Energiø Bornholm project has started near Sose close to Aakirkeby, Danish broadcaster DR reports.

A handful of South Bornholm families have been expropriated to make way for the future green power supply. Heavy machinery is now tearing down walls as part of the project led by Energinet, with local contractor STM Entreprise handling the demolition of properties to clear space for a major transformer station.

Five properties are being demolished in the first phase. Kennet Majlund, Health, Safety, and Environment manager for the project, said the start of work marks a significant step after years of planning and uncertainty over agreements with Denmark and Germany.

“It’s great to finally get going,” Majlund said. “This is a project that’s been in the works for three to four years, with a period where nothing happened and the future was uncertain. Now it’s 99% secure, so it’s a relief to start.”

For some residents, the expropriation process has been smooth, while for others, being forced to leave was not part of their plans, Majlund acknowledged. Energinet aims to complete the demolition of the five properties this year or by early 2027 before construction of the transformer station begins. In total, 11 properties will be affected.

The energy island will serve as a hub for power from three large offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea. The transformer station at Sose will convert the wind power into direct current and transmit it via sea cables to Zealand and Germany, supplying renewable energy to around three million households in both countries.

Energiø Bornholm is expected to begin delivering power around 2034.