Denmark has identified zones that could support the development of more than 12GW of offshore wind projects, sparking criticism from a key industry group that claimed the target is too small.
The zones were identified through survey work commissioned by the Danish federal government.
Energy minister Lars Christian Lilleholt also said the survey indicated that the Nordic country could possibly construct at least 40GW of offshore wind.
Industry group Wind Denmark, while welcoming a screening of Denmark’s entire marine area, said it was “regrettable” that only a “modest” potential of 12.4GW had been identified.
Wind Denmark said offshore wind projects had been ranked as the last pick for development compared to other interests, including defense, raw material extraction and oil and gas.
“The result of the screening report is that one risks opting out of a number of areas with significant business potential,” said Wind Denmark political director Martin Risum Bondergaard.
Bondergaard said the approach taken in the screening meant potential for offshore wind was missed in areas such as Kattegat, the Baltic Sea and Dogger Bank.