Two of Denmark’s oldest offshore wind farms, Nysted and Middelgrunden, have been granted permission to extend their operational lifespans, allowing them to continue producing renewable electricity for years to come.

Middelgrunden Offshore Wind Farm, originally approved for electricity production in 2000, and Nysted Offshore Wind Farm, which followed in 2003, now have extended permits: 10 additional years for Nysted and 25 years for Middelgrunden. The extensions were granted by the Danish Energy Agency following applications from the respective ownership groups.

As part of the approval process, the Energy Agency required an independent analysis of each wind farm’s remaining operational life. Additionally, both owners must carry out expanded annual maintenance inspections to ensure continued safe operation.

“It’s a positive step that offshore wind turbines over 20 years old are now able to continue producing green electricity for many years ahead. This supports the green transition and is also resource-efficient, as it allows infrastructure to operate safely for a longer period,” said Stig Uffe Pedersen, Deputy Director of the Danish Energy Agency.

Nysted Offshore Wind Farm is owned by Ørsted, PensionDanmark, and Stadtwerke Lübeck. It comprises 70 turbines with a total capacity of 161 MW, supplying electricity to more than 130,000 households.

Middelgrunden Offshore Wind Farm, located just 3.5 kilometers off the coast of Copenhagen near the Trekroner Fort, is owned by HOFOR and Middelgrundens Vindmøllelaug. The park’s 20 turbines can generate enough green power to meet the needs of approximately 20,000 households annually, and have become a familiar part of the cityscape for many Copenhagen and North Zealand residents.

Earlier this June, the Danish Energy Agency also approved a 10-year extension for the Samsø Offshore Wind Farm, further supporting the longevity of Denmark’s early renewable energy infrastructure.