Two offshore wind projects in Denmark have cleared a key legal obstacle after the Danish Energy Appeals Board dismissed complaints against their construction permits, allowing development to continue as scheduled.
The Jammerland Bugt wind farm, with a planned capacity of 240 megawatts (MW), will feature 16 turbines and is being developed by TotalEnergies and European Energy. The same partnership is also leading the 165MW Lillebælt Syd project, which will consist of 11 turbines and includes a 15% ownership stake by local utility SONFOR.
All turbines for both projects will have a generation capacity of 15MW and reach a height of 256 metres. The wind farms are part of Denmark’s open-door scheme and are expected to supply electricity equivalent to the annual consumption of up to 400,000 households once operational, currently projected for 2029.
“We are very pleased that our projects can continue, and it has been confirmed that we have taken the necessary considerations for nature and the environment into account,” said Martin Rune Pedersen, Country Chair for TotalEnergies Denmark. “Now we can move forward with the necessary expansion of renewable energy for the benefit of the climate, jobs, and the economy.”
TotalEnergies said the planning process for both projects involved comprehensive environmental assessments and coordination with relevant authorities. The wind farms are sited outside Natura 2000 and international bird protection areas, with environmental impact studies approved by the Danish Energy Agency.
European Energy CEO Knud Erik Andersen welcomed the decision, calling it “an important step for offshore wind development in Denmark.” He added: “We are ready to supply green electricity to the Danish people and contribute to both security of supply and the green transition.”
Ellen Trane Nørby, Chair of the Board at SONFOR, said the Lillebælt Syd project illustrates the role municipalities can play in Denmark’s energy transformation. “We have a strong green project that shows that municipalities and other players can realise ambitious climate and energy projects,” she said. “We must now move forward and invite those who have been opposed to work together on solutions where everyone can have local ownership and enjoy the benefits of the wind farm.”
The rejection of the appeals marks a significant milestone for the projects, which aim to support Denmark’s long-term goals for green energy expansion.
