Denmark established the world’s first offshore wind farm in 1991 and continues to develop new solutions within the sector. Today, the operation of offshore wind farms remains reliant on diesel-powered vessels and helicopters, which are both costly and carbon-intensive. The new partnership explores how drones can help address these challenges by performing certain tasks without manual control.

According to Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Lars Aagaard:
“Denmark must use new technology to maintain its strong position in green energy. When drones can replace diesel ships and helicopters, it not only lowers CO₂ emissions – over time, it also leads to cheaper green electricity in households across the country. This partnership highlights how collaboration with private companies, new technology and the green transition go hand in hand.”

Testing new drone solutions and enabling conditions

Estimates from the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) show that drones could reduce the cost of blade inspection by up to 50 percent. Over the lifetime of a turbine, this could lower the levelised cost of energy (LCOE) from offshore wind by 2–3 percent.

To support this potential, the partnership will focus on testing new technical solutions and reducing administrative barriers. This includes creating the necessary conditions for drones to operate safely and effectively at sea.

Transport Minister Thomas Danielsen underlines the importance of ensuring both innovation and safety:

“Making it simple and efficient to run a business in Denmark is a key priority. Drones offer many opportunities, but also raise important safety considerations. That is why it is positive that public authorities and industry are working together in this partnership to find shared solutions – enabling the use of the technology while reducing the cost of operating offshore wind farms.”

Supporting green innovation through public-private collaboration

The Danish Agency for Climate Data has played a coordinating role in establishing the partnership. The agency sees the project as an opportunity to bring together regulatory authorities and private stakeholders to advance the use of drones in offshore settings.

“We are pleased to have helped bring the partners together around a common project focused on enabling drones to operate safely at offshore wind farms,” said Rikke Hougaard Zeberg, Director of the Danish Agency for Climate Data. “We look forward to continuing the constructive collaboration with private partners and the Danish Transport Authority.”

By addressing key technical and regulatory barriers, the partnership aims to support more efficient offshore wind operations and help strengthen Denmark’s position as a frontrunner in green energy technology.