As one of the frontrunners in Denmark’s island energy transition, Fejø has taken an important step in grounding its Clean Energy Transition Agenda (CETA) in the reality of local engagement. Despite strong momentum, the Fejø Transition Team has recently encountered challenges navigating Denmark’s complex legal planning framework, forcing a period of reflection and adaptation.
Fejø, part of a small archipelago off the coast of Lolland, has seen its dedicated volunteers put significant effort into crafting a vision for a sustainable future. However, translating innovative ideas into actionable plans has met resistance from strict legal requirements. This has raised questions about what parts of the CETA can be realised, and what needs to be adapted to fit what is legally possible, rather than what is technically or environmentally ideal.
With no formal mandate, the Transition team, a group of committed islanders working in their free time, felt it essential to invite the wider community into the process. A local meeting was convened to share the current status of the CETA and seek feedback, helping to build collective understanding and support for the way forward.
In partnership with the EU Clean energy for EU islands initiative and the Samsø Energy Academy, a community workshop was held to strengthen the team’s confidence and clarify the next steps. The Energy Academy acted as a neutral facilitator, providing a structured and open space for discussion.
The result was encouraging. Islanders engaged positively with the CETA's content, offering constructive feedback and affirming the importance of continued dialogue. With greater transparency, the plan became better known, more grounded, and ultimately easier to accept.
The Samsø Energy Academy concluded the visit by committing to return, offering a crash course in public engagement and hands-on tools for running future workshops. The collaboration stands as a valuable example of how local ownership, external support, and a shared commitment to sustainability can work together, even amid legal and procedural complexity.