Denmark Delays Creation of Artificial Energy Island in the North Sea

The Danish government is postponing the creation of an artificial energy island in the North Sea due to high costs and deems the project unprofitable and too risky. Alternatives for a "better and cheaper concept" will be explored, according to Bloomberg.

The Danish government has currently delayed the public tender for the planned artificial energy island in the North Sea, stating that the project's funding is "problematic."

Experts estimate that the island project would cost the Danish state over 50 billion kroner ($7 billion). In its current form, it is "far from being profitable" and considered too risky. This was stated in a release by the Ministry of Climate in Copenhagen on Wednesday.

Previously, the ministry had already postponed the tender, stating that other options for a "better and cheaper concept" would be carefully analyzed. Therefore, government officials will decide on how to proceed with the project at a later stage.

"When planning projects of this magnitude, we must, of course, ensure that we make the most responsible decisions. Right now, we need a bit more time to do that," said Climate Minister Lars Christian Lilleholt.

According to the minister, the Danish government remains committed to building this island. Its concept was first proposed in 2020 to harness the country's significant offshore wind potential in the North Sea.

Denmark has planned to construct two energy islands that could accelerate Europe's green transition. These islands, consisting of one artificial island in the North Sea and one on the island of Bornholm in the Baltic Sea, would generate wind energy and, in the future, electricity from green hydrogen.

Situated 100 kilometers off the Danish mainland, the artificial island in the North Sea has the potential to supply electricity to several neighboring countries, including the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and Belgium. Such scale was previously deemed impossible.

The North Sea island, with an estimated cost of 28 billion euros, will consist of a central hub made of steel, concrete, and sand, surrounded by a series of platforms and wind turbines. It will not have permanent residents, but temporary accommodations for workers may be provided.

The Bornholm island will be of a similar scale and could potentially supply electricity to Germany and Sweden in the future. The project is welcomed by the island's 39,000 inhabitants, as a recent survey by a local television station showed that 85% of the residents support the project.

In addition to contributing to the EU's goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, renewable energy sources will reduce Europe's dependence on Russian gas.