First lifespan approval for older Danish offshore wind development

The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has approved a 10-year extension for the electricity production license for the Samsø offshore wind farm.

The development, established in 2002, was granted at the time a license to operate was for up to 25 years, after which the wind turbines would have to be removed unless the owner, Wind Estate A/S, applied for the permit to be extended.

This has happened and the DEA has exercised the EU’s emergency regulation to shorten the permit process. So the 10-turbine wind farm generating 23 MW can now remain in operation through 2037.

It is the first time an older offshore wind farm has received authorization for a lifespan extension, the agency added.

The DEA is also processing applications for extension of the electricity production license for the Middelgrunden, Rønland, Nysted and Horns Rev 1 offshore wind farms.