HOFOR, the prominent Danish utility, has taken the cautious step of postponing a significant investment decision for its ambitious Aflandshage wind farm project, which boasts a capacity of up to 300 MW. The primary concern behind this delay revolves around the project's uncertain development permit.
In an official statement released last Friday, the Greater Copenhagen utility company conveyed its intention to place the Aflandshage project on hold, with the possibility of scrapping it entirely unless a viable alternative for development emerges in the near future. This strategic move is expected to translate into a substantial DKK 500 million (equivalent to USD 72 million or EUR 67 million) write-down in HOFOR's financial report for 2023.
The Aflandshage venture was designed to encompass the installation of 26 offshore wind turbines, envisioned to generate power for approximately 300,000 households in the Øresund region by 2026. Danish authorities had initially granted approval for HOFOR's plan in November of the preceding year, albeit with specific conditions related to bird monitoring and bat migration. However, the establishment permit faced a setback in July 2023 when it was revoked due to complaints concerning the potential impact of the project on bat species and the local habitat.
“In the current situation, it has not been possible to obtain sufficient assurance that Aflandshage Windmill Park will receive an establishment permit,” expressed the developer. Pending a resolution for the scheme's future, HOFOR will persist with ongoing efforts to monitor bat populations in the area, a prerequisite to regaining the necessary approval for the project's progression. The fate of the Aflandshage wind farm remains uncertain, pending further developments in the near future.
