Denmark

Better Energy is developing a new pilot project to demonstrate how future solar parks can be built on restored wetlands, not only reducing CO2 emissions by producing green power, but also by restoring carbon-rich lowland areas to wetlands.

European Energy has built a solar array and is now constructing a wind farm to provide Apple’s data center in Denmark with 100% renewable energy. The PV project, which features bifacial panels, is the country’s largest unsubsidized PV installation in operation.

German PV asset manager Encavis and Danish renewables company Greengo have already secured approval for one large project.

The Danish Energy Agency says there will be large scale PV projects in the Nissum Fjord area. One of the projects, under development by Better Energy in the municipality of Holstebro, has a planned generation capacity of 206 MW.

The Danish government has agreed to provide $19 million in funds for two large-scale hydrogen projects under development on the Jutland peninsula. The two projects will produce green hydrogen for the transport sector from renewables sources. Denmark’s largest energy company, Ørsted, has also announced plans for an ambitious 2 MW electrolysis plant with appurtenant hydrogen storage.

The Danish Energy Agency allocated 252 MW of clean energy generation capacity, of which 83 MW was solar and 93 MW solar-wind hybrid facilities which included 34.1 MW of PV capacity. The average price premium to be paid on top of wholesale electricity rates to the successful bidders has fallen 30% in a year, prompting the authorities to muse they may be allocating too much public money to support such projects.

Selected schemes will be eligible for a feed-in premium – related to the wholesale electricity price – for 20 years. The ceiling price for the premium has been set at the equivalent of $0.0089/kWh.

After a power purchase agreement for a 125 MW solar project was announced in February, similar deals appear to be cropping up. Danish PV analysts, however, warn of the potential risks of such a model and say the green commitments of big electricity consumers may not be enough to spur growth in the segment.

Although wind power had the largest share with 165 MW of capacity, solar was able to secure the same number of projects and a total capacity of 104 MW. The Danish Energy Agency had received 17 bids, including 280 MW of solar projects.

The Internet giant began construction on what will be its fifth datacenter in Europe. The €600 million facility will be powered exclusively by clean energy sources, the company said.