As Denmark leads the world in integrating wind energy into its electricity supply, the cities faces unique hurdles in expanding renewable energy capacity.In Copenhagen, the challenges have included: limited space to implement wind energy on a large scale within an urban environment, wind turbines are expensive to build, and there is public resistance to the perceived visual and noise impact of wind turbines in the landscape. An innovative approach to overcome these barriers and engage its citizens in the transition to renewable energy is therefore needed.

The Middelgrunden wind farm, located just outside Copenhagen Harbour, is a landmark project that redefined urban wind energy development. Comprising 20 wind turbines arranged in a distinctive 3.4 km-long concave line, the farm produces approximately 99,000 MWh annually, enough to power thousands of local households. The turbines, spaced 180 meters apart, are supported by specially engineered foundations designed to withstand severe marine conditions, including tidal movements, wave loads, and ice during harsh winters.

Middelgrunden’s innovative approach to community involvement has been instrumental in its success. The project is half-owned by Copenhagen’s municipal utility company and half-owned by a Wind Turbine Cooperative with 8,650 local members. Citizens purchased shares priced at €570 each, with each share representing an annual production of 1,000 kWh. This ownership model fostered local support, making the wind farm a shared community asset rather than an unwelcome intrusion.

To address public concerns, an awareness campaign was launched. Demonstration tours of wind turbines educated citizens on the technology and alleviated fears about noise and visual impacts. Surveys conducted after the campaign revealed strong public support for the project, highlighting its success in overcoming the “not in my backyard” attitude.

Middelgrunden stands as a global model for urban offshore wind energy and community engagement. By generating clean energy and offering citizens the opportunity to invest directly, the project has fostered widespread local support while reducing Copenhagen’s carbon footprint. The 20 turbines contribute significantly to Denmark’s renewable energy goals, underscoring the potential of offshore wind power in densely populated areas.

Beyond its energy output, Middelgrunden has informed future projects with valuable insights into marine engineering, environmental considerations, and citizen engagement strategies. The cooperative model has inspired other municipalities and cities to adopt similar approaches, making Middelgrunden a blueprint for community-owned renewable energy initiatives worldwide.