The municipality of Aabenraa in Denmark has approved plans for the construction of the largest solar farm in Northern Europe. The facility, to be built by European Energy, will be located near future data centers and a regional transformer station, and will generate enough green power to supply over 75,000 Danish households. With a power production of 300 MW, the project will also contribute to annual CO2 emissions reductions of around 110,000 tons. Construction is expected to begin in early 2021, with grid connection scheduled for before the end of the year.
On Wednesday evening at the local council in the municipality of Aabenraa, Southern Jutland, a massive majority greenlit European Energy’s plans to build the biggest solar farm to date in Northern Europe. The facility is to be placed nearby future data centers as well as a major regional transformer station and will deliver enough green power to supply more than 75.000 Danish households.
Denmark takes the lead in Northern European solar energy as the municipality of Aabenraa greenlights a solar farm situated near Kassø, southwest of Rødekro. With a power production of 300 MW, the project is the biggest to date in Northern Europe and will contribute with annual CO2-emissions reductions of some 110.000 tons.
According to Knud Erik Andersen, CEO at European Energy, the project is the result of strong cooperation between local farmers, the municipality of Aabenraa and European Energy:
“Working together to find common ground is absolutely key to make a project of this size likely to succeed. Throughout the planning process we have had a very constructive dialogue with the municipality, and we have also seen a very constructive approach from the local citizens that will be the future neighbors of the solar farm”, says Knud Erik Andersen.
With this project Aabenraa will rank among the top municipalities that take a lead in the green transition.
“Solar power facilities are in line with the objectives of the municipality of Aabenraa to increase the production of renewable energy. Many things are being said about climate action but following the approval of our strategy for sustainable development we can act in a more powerful way. We would like to take on our local co-responsibility in facing environmental degradation that we all are experiencing”, said Thomas Andresen, mayor of the municipality of Aabenraa in a separate press release following the vote.
Investments total more than 1 billion Danish kroner. Construction is expected to proceed early 2021 and grid connection should take place before the end of 2021.