(Hanstholm / Denmark) – The Danish European Energy A/S has signed a declaration of intent with the management of the fishing port in Hanstholm, also in Denmark, according to which the project developer wants to build a plant for the production of e-methanol and hydrogen in addition to solar and wind power plants.
The aim is to convert most of the approximately 130.000 square meter area into a “local energy community Hanstholm Energifællskab”. The company believes this will not only attract major investment and bring life to the port's hinterland, but also create “the first energy community of its kind in a Danish fishing port”.
Methanol instead of ship diesel
A fishing port can also be an energy port and “create strong synergies between the fishing industry and green energy,” says port director Nils Skeby. One focus is on a plant for the production of e-methanol based on local CO2 sources and suppliers. This is an alternative to the ships' current oil requirements.
At the same time, the production of hydrogen is being examined, which not only represents another important basis for climate-neutral methanol, but also releases oxygen, which could, for example, serve as a resource for fish farming in aquaculture in the port. “We see great potential in developing renewable energy as a business area in Hanstholm” and supplying the port’s users with green energy, says the CEO and founder of European Energy, Knud-Erik Andersen.
With the establishment of Hanstholm Energifællskab, the port in northwest Jutland will become a leading port for CO2-neutral operations in Europe. This is also an important step for the development of the entire area, said the mayor of Thisted municipality, Niels Jørgen Pedersen. The negotiations are scheduled to begin at the beginning of January 2022. The energy systems could then be built in 2023.
Two solar parks sold to Encavis
In mid-December, European Energy sold two solar parks to the Hamburg wind and solar park operator Encavis AG. The subsidy-free Svinningegården solar park in northwest Zealand, which is already connected to the grid, has an output of 34 megawatts. The Rødby Fjord, Lolland, solar park (71 megawatts) in the far southwest of Zealand will be connected to the grid in the first quarter of this year.
The proceeds go to unspecified “well-known technology companies” as part of long-term power purchase agreements (PPAs). In addition, Rødby Fjord benefits from a 20-year feed-in tariff from the Danish Ministry of Energy, Supply and Climate.
Photos
Hanstholm fishing port in the municipality of Thisted on the Skarrerag. © European Energy A/S
