Two locations along the west coast of Jutland and a single location in North Jutland are in the running to become the home of a third national test center for wind turbines. A third test center is necessary because the two current ones in Østerild and Høvsøre have reached their maximum capacity. The new test center must have space for turbines with a height of up to 450 meters.
The Danish Housing and Planning Agency, in collaboration with the wind industry, the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) and the Danish Energy Agency, has identified suitable areas in Denmark, which will undergo further screening to find the most suitable.
Specifically, these are two areas near the Wadden Sea in Southwest Jutland and one in southern Vendsyssel. The two areas in southwest Jutland are located west of Ribe and in an area around Skærbæk, respectively, while the northern Jutland is located in Store Vildmose.
The areas extend over Brønderslev, Jammerbugt, Esbjerg and Tønder municipalities, but there is not much enthusiasm to be found among any of the mayors when the idea of a test center in the municipality is put forward.
- As you know, we have taken on a huge responsibility in Jammerbugt Municipality when it comes to renewable energy, and we are in the process of planning for solar and biogas. So I am very skeptical, both in terms of the initial process and what result may come from it, says Mayor of Jammerbugt Mogens Chr. Street (V) to Nordjyske.
Slightly milder tones come from the colleague in Brønderslev:
- We have a certain obligation to contribute to the green transition, but it is important that it happens with reason and order. That's why I hope that there will be an opportunity for local influence, says Mayor of Brønderslev Municipality, Mikael Klitgaard (V) to the local media.
Surprised that location along the Wadden Sea is in play
The mayors of southwest Jutland, who have locations for the test center in play in their municipalities, are surprised that locations along the Wadden Sea are in play.
- As a municipality, we are not even allowed to set up tables and benches in that area, but the state is apparently allowed to set up 450-meter-high wind turbines. It doesn't seem very well thought out, says Esbjerg's mayor, Jesper Frost Rasmussen to TV Avisen.
Similar criticism of the plans comes from the mayor of Tønder.
- Our natural interests and our tourism will be challenged by such a facility, says Jørgen Popp Petersen (Slesvigsk Parti).
A broad majority in the Folketing consisting of the government, the Liberal Party, the Danish People's Party, the Socialist People's Party, the Radical Party, the Conservative Party and the Liberal Alliance have voted in favor of the decision to screen for a location for a third testing center. And according to Minister of the Interior and Housing Christian Rabjerg Madsen (S), the mayors are expressing their concerns too early.
- We are not yet at the point where we are discussing consultation processes and neighbor involvement. Where we are in the process is that a broad majority in the Folketing, including the Liberal and Conservative parties, have agreed that we will investigate whether a third wind turbine test center can be located in Denmark, and where it should be, he tells TV Avisen.
If one of the locations is assessed as suitable and it is subsequently decided that the turbines should be built in the area, a new test center is expected to be ready in 2027.
Text, graphics, images, sound, and other content on this website are protected under copyright law. DK Medier reserves all rights to the content, including the right to exploit the content for the purpose of text and data mining, cf. Section 11b of the Copyright Act and Article 4 of the DSM Directive.
Customers with IP agreements/major customer agreements may only share Danish Offshore Industry articles internally for the purpose of handling specific cases. Sharing in connection with specific cases refers to journaling, archiving, or similar uses.
Customers with a personal subscription/login may not share Danish Offshore Industry articles with individuals who do not themselves have a personal subscription to Danish Offshore Industry.
Any deviation from the above requires written consent from DK Medier.
