Power shortage threatens development:
Insufficient power capacity threatens growth, jobs and the green transition in Northern Denmark
Insufficient capacity in the electricity grid risks slowing down investments, job creation and the green transition in Northern Denmark.
This was the key message when the Northern Jutland Grid Alliance gathered parliamentary candidates, businesses and organisations for the event “Powering Northern Denmark” in Hirtshals.
For Port of Hirtshals and the wider business community in Vendsyssel, the situation is already critical. Companies seeking to electrify production, establish new activities or invest in green technology are experiencing rejections or long and uncertain waiting times for grid connection.
– The lack of electricity capacity is not just a technical issue. It is a challenge for new jobs, investments and development across the entire region – not least in Hirtshals. If companies cannot access power, there is a risk they will establish themselves elsewhere. It also slows down development for our existing customers, says Per Anholm Nørgaard, CEO at Port of Hirtshals.
Impacts critical infrastructure, exports and the green transition
Port of Hirtshals is part of the EU’s priority transport network, TEN-T, which means the port is classified as critical infrastructure with connections to Norway, Sweden, the Faroe Islands and Iceland. The port plays a vital role in fisheries, logistics, cargo handling and energy projects, and is therefore essential to Danish exports and security of supply.
The EU requires ports to be able to supply shore power to the majority of port calls by 2030, while the transport sector must be electrified. These targets will be difficult to achieve without a significant expansion of the electricity grid.
– Ports are critical infrastructure. We must deliver shore power, support green transport and handle increasing activity. This requires a grid designed for future needs, not past demand. We need urgent legislation in the short term and, in the medium term, clear political prioritisation of how we move forward collectively, says Per Anholm Nørgaard, CEO at Port of Hirtshals.
Political prioritisation is needed
The Northern Jutland Grid Alliance calls for the expansion of the electricity grid in Northern Denmark to be given high priority in the upcoming government platform.
Without action, Denmark risks losing both competitiveness and the opportunity to realise the green transition in a region with significant strategic potential.
The event in Hirtshals gave parliamentary candidates an insight into the concrete consequences for both the business community and the green transition.
Facts: Electricity Grid Capacity in Northern Denmark
- Several companies are unable to obtain grid connection
- Electrification of industry and transport is being delayed
- Green energy projects risk delays or being cancelled
- Limited capacity affects ports, production and exports
- Uncertainty hampers investments and job creation
- Ports face EU fines from 2030 if they fail to meet the requirements of the EU’s AFIR directive, including shore power
