Danes are accustomed to seeing wind turbines in the landscape, as they have been deployed since the 1970s. While the public in general supports wind energy, not everyone is in favour of having turbines in their backyard. Therefore, new investments in Danish wind farms are followed by initiatives to improve acceptance among locals who are affected by wind turbines.

Incentivising local support and involvement

In Denmark, onshore wind turbine installations are discussed at local level and approved by local authorities. Experience has shown that early involvement is key to establishing local support as it creates a sense of ownership in the local community where the turbines are installed. In some cases, developers offer local citizens the opportunity to invest in the installed capacity. This fosters co-ownership and involvement. In addition, the ‘green fund scheme’ requires onshore wind farm owners to pay the relevant municipality a one-off sum of 40,625 EUR per MW. The funds are  administered by the municipality and designated to support new local initiatives. Installing new onshore capacity thereby both contributes to local development and paves the way for a cleaner environment.

Finally, neighbours living within eight times the tip height of the wind turbines are rewarded with a ‘Renewable Energy Bonus’ to acknowledge their cooperation. The bonus is paid out on a yearly basis and corresponds to a share of 9.75 kW of the wind energy produced. The bonus will therefore vary over the lifetime of the wind power plant, depending on energy production and energy prices. This ensures that neighbours receive a higher reward in windy years or in times of high electricity prices.

Guarantees for property owners

Property owners who experience a perceived loss in property value due to neighbouring wind turbines are compensated if the loss of value is equal to or greater than 1 percent of the total value of the property. This framework allows any property owner living near a wind turbine (4-6 times the tip height) to apply for an ‘option to buy-scheme’ and sell their property to the turbine owner within a year of the first produced kilowatt hour. It protects the rights of citizens perceiving a value-loss, but also ensures that developers can complete their projects.

Biodiversity and climate – two crises solved together

Denmark faces significant challenges in halting biodiversity loss. As a result, the energy sector actively participates in several public-private partnerships, such as the Danish Biodiversity Partnership. This initiative brings together NGOs, business organisations, research institutions, and the government to develop frameworks and identify barriers, ensuring that new wind farms can be built while also restoring nature.