The Danish Energy Agency (DEA) has reassessed feasibility study permit applications under the open-door scheme, which were previously paused in 2023 and reactivated last year. The DEA has decided to uphold the rejection of all 37 applications.
In February 2023, the DEA suspended the processing of permits for offshore wind and renewable energy projects under the open-door scheme, citing potential breaches of EU law.
In March 2023, processing resumed for the Aflandshage and Frederikshavn offshore wind farm projects after the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities confirmed the establishment permits issued in 2022 were not violating EU law. The projects received feasibility study permits in 2019 and 2018, respectively. More information can be found on Aflandshage and Frederikshavn projects.
Later in March, the DEA resumed evaluations of the Jammerland Bugt, Lillebælt South, Omø South, and Nordre Flint offshore wind farms. By July 2023, the assessment of three offshore wind farms in the new Marine Plan and all pending test project applications under the open-door scheme resumed.
In May and June 2024, the Energy Complaints Board overturned several decisions rejecting feasibility study applications and sent them back to the DEA for reconsideration.
On 1 September 2025, the Danish Energy Agency reconfirmed its decisions, rejecting 37 applications, including three proposals for offshore wind projects with testing elements.
“Granting a preliminary exploration permit without competition constitutes illegal state aid if the permit has value for the applicant,” stated Stig Uffe Pedersen, Deputy Director General of the DEA. “It is essential to comply with EU state aid rules.”
Under the open-door scheme, a feasibility study permit grants the applicant a royalty-free exclusive right to explore and potentially establish an offshore wind farm in a specific sea area.
The DEA determined that free feasibility study permits for new commercial offshore wind projects hold value, and issuing them would waive state funds, thus constituting illegal state aid in the current market.
This assessment considers bidders’ willingness to pay, as seen in the tender for the Thor offshore wind farm in 2021 and the growing interest in the open-door scheme. The DEA noted several postponements of competitive tenders across Europe have resulted in payments to the state.
Reach the Offshore Wind Industry
offshoreWIND.biz is accessed daily by thousands of industry professionals. Enhance your presence with banners, share your story with branded articles, and highlight your expertise with a comprehensive company profile in our directory.
Follow offshoreWIND.biz on:
Original Story at www.offshorewind.biz