Denmark is recognised as one of Europe’s frontrunners in the green transition, supported by a long-standing political and societal consensus on the urgency of climate action. The country has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 (compared to 1990 levels) and aims to become climate-neutral by 2050.
A key pillar of Denmark’s green transition is the expansion of renewable energy production.
Within this national framework, Denmark’s islands play a vital role. Their geographic isolation and reliance on local infrastructure make them ideal showcases for energy self-sufficiency. Island communities have often led the way in adopting renewable technologies—frequently ahead of national efforts.
The Clean energy for EU islands secretariat supports two small Danish islands in their clean energy transition: Fejø and Venø.
On Fejø, home to around 460 residents and known for its apple production and festival, a few years ago, a group of local volunteers initiated a community dialogue on clean energy. Their idea has been a community-owned renewable energy project on the island to secure cheaper electricity, stimulate local socio-economic benefits, and attract new residents!
Initially, the local group dealt with people’s hesitation and concerns. Fears and myths surrounding wind energy and photovoltaics had to be addressed before the dialogue could continue. In parallel, the group, together with the Secretariat, examined national regulations and spatial planning rules that apply uniformly across Denmark.
Like many small islands, Fejø has limited available space. The 300-meter coastal protection zone excludes large areas from development, and additional restrictions apply under Natura 2000 protections. In practice, this leaves little to no room for renewable energy projects. For example, Fejø’s existing 150 kW wind turbine cannot be repowered to 1–2 MW because the site is excluded from wind energy development under Lolland’s municipal plan.
This raises a question that many other communities face, too: Should nature protection laws—designed with good intentions some decades ago—prevent island communities from taking responsibility for their clean energy future? Should small-scale renewable energy projects that have local consensus and support the European Green Deal and national climate policies, really be perceived to be in conflict with nature conservation goals?
The local group, with support from the Islands Secretariat and the Danish Small Islands Association, is now exploring possible derogations—openings in regulation that could unlock new opportunities for clean energy development on small islands.
Meanwhile, the community engagement process continues. The team has held eight public meetings to engage in dialogue with citizens, not just about energy, but also about the future of Fejø. What is the residents’ opinion about what the island should look like in the future? What are their concerns for the future? What role could clean energy play? In two of these public meetings, Søren Hermansen and Malene Lundén from the Samsø Energy Academy attended in person to support the local group and the dialogue with the citizens.
Local change is rarely quick, and patience is part of the process. People are generally not experts and process information at different paces—some may miss meetings and therefore part of the process, others may not feel comfortable engaging the first time around, while others may not be ready to really listen when meeting organisers thought they were!
With continued dialogue and determination, and with the support of the Secretariat, Fejø’s clean energy transition team aims to realise a community-owned wind project. It could become the island’s new lighthouse, a symbol of community resilience and a reminder that local vision and persistence can turn ambition into reality.