Government proposes compensation for Bornholm energy project neighbours

The Danish government has proposed payments for residents living near the land-based facilities of Energy Island Bornholm, DR reports, but a local residents’ association says the amounts are too low.

Under the proposal, residents within 100 metres of the facilities would receive 200,000 kroner. Those living 101 to 200 metres away would receive 150,000 kroner, while residents 201 to 300 metres away would receive 100,000 kroner.

The proposed compensation is intended to address construction noise, damage to nature and the landscape, and concerns about a constant hum from large transformers once the facilities are operating. These impacts could reduce the value of nearby properties.

Michael Ellerman, chair of the Bornholm Energy Island Residents’ Association, welcomed having figures to consider but said the proposed levels of property-value loss did not reflect what residents face. He also objected to limiting compensation to properties within 300 metres, and said the government should instead allow affected properties to be assessed by a property valuer.

The government has also proposed that residents within 80 metres of Energinet’s 400-kilovolt overhead lines and transformer stations could request a purchase of their property with full compensation. The concerns cited include extensive excavation work, future restrictions on the use of private land and unease about magnetic fields from high-voltage cables.