European Energy and SONFOR have officially received the green light to proceed with the construction of the Lillebaelt Syd offshore wind project in Denmark. The Danish Energy Agency has granted the construction permit for the project, which will be located in the Strait of Lillebaelt, near the city of Sønderborg.

The Lillebaelt Syd offshore park is set to have a capacity of 165 MW and is expected to begin operations by 2029. The electricity generated by the park will power around 148,000 households across Europe, contributing significantly to the region's renewable energy goals.

Co-developed by European Energy and the Danish utility company SONFOR, the project represents a major step forward for offshore wind development in Denmark and the Nordic region. The park is also expected to support the local green transformation, helping the municipality of Sønderborg achieve its goal of reaching net-zero carbon emissions by 2029.

Knud Erik Andersen, CEO of European Energy, expressed his excitement, stating, "We are delighted to finally secure the construction permits for this important offshore park. This marks a milestone for European Energy and positions us as a leading developer of offshore wind in Denmark and the Nordics."

Ellen Trane Nørby, Chair of SONFOR, highlighted the project’s role in addressing climate change through public-private cooperation. "Lillebaelt Syd is a showcase of how public-private partnerships can take responsibility locally and act on climate change. From the very start, the project should support the green transformation and contribute to Sønderborg municipality’s efforts to get net-zero carbon by 2029."

Local support for the project has been strong, with a survey conducted by the institute MEGAFON showing 80% approval in Sønderborg and 69% in the neighboring municipality of Assens.

Earlier this year, a partnership agreement between European Energy, SONFOR, and TotalEnergies was announced, with TotalEnergies set to become the majority owner of the Lillebaelt Syd project.

The approval of this project underscores Denmark's ongoing commitment to renewable energy and its ambition to be a leader in the global transition to clean energy.