Politicians in Bornholm to vote on proposed business park creating green jobs

Tonight, politicians on Bornholm will vote on whether to initiate work on a proposed business park aimed at creating green jobs in connection with the upcoming energy island project. Despite recently undergoing major surgery, Conservative council member Linda Kofoed Persson is determined to attend the vote. A coalition consisting of the Danish People’s Party, the Red-Green Alliance, and several independents is opposed to one of the agenda items.

Kofoed Persson stated, “I’m coming tonight because every vote counts, and I still hope the two independents will let their liberal beliefs guide them and change their minds to vote in favor.” If all members vote as previously indicated, the outcome is predicted to be 11 against and 10 in favor, which would halt progress on the business park.

Vice Mayor Morten Riis from the Red-Green Alliance intends to oppose the measure, expressing uncertainty about the vote’s outcome but emphasizing that it appears inclined towards a “no.” The planned energy park is set to include power-to-X facilities, converting some of the electricity generated by wind turbines into hydrogen, among other applications.

Bornholm has been granted favorable conditions for the energy park’s development, particularly due to its proximity to the coast, but these conditions must be utilized by 2025. Proponents fear missing the opportunity if decisions are delayed.

Riis believes it is premature to commence planning, arguing that power generation for the facility won’t be available for another eight years, thus wasting municipal resources. In contrast, Kofoed Persson warns that uncertainty surrounding the business park could impact how companies view opportunities tied to the energy island. An expert from Aalborg University believes that rejecting the energy park could have financial repercussions for the energy island project.