Samso

Profile of Samsø as a Renewable Energy Island and its Wind Farm

Location and Background

Samsø is a small Danish island located in the Kattegat sea, with a population of approximately 4,000 residents. The island has gained international recognition for its comprehensive transition to renewable energy, earning it the title of the world’s first “renewable energy island”.

History and Initiation

The journey to become a renewable energy island began in 1996, following the COP 3 climate summit in Kyoto, where the Danish environment minister committed to reducing Denmark's emissions by 21% and selected Samsø as a model community to achieve this goal within a decade. By 1997, Samsø Municipality made a political decision to become a renewable energy island within ten years.

Renewable Energy Infrastructure

Wind Turbines

• Onshore and Offshore Turbines: Samsø has installed a total of 21 wind turbines, including 11 onshore and 10 offshore turbines. The first onshore turbine was brought online in 1999, and the offshore turbines were added later, with the Middelgrunden Offshore Wind Farm being part of this project.
• Ownership and Financing: The initial onshore turbine was financed by 400 local residents who each bought five shares worth $2,000. This collective ownership model has been crucial in gaining local support and involvement.
• Capacity and Production: The wind turbines provide 100% of the island’s electricity, with any excess sold back to the mainland grid. The island exports approximately 80,000 megawatt-hours annually.

Biomass and District Heating

• Biomass Heating Plants: Samsø has four district heating plants that run entirely on straw biomass purchased from local farmers. This biomass heating provides 75% of the island’s heating needs, significantly reducing heating bills by 40% and utilizing the ash as fertilizer for the fields.

Solar Energy

• Solar Panels: In addition to wind and biomass, Samsø also utilizes solar panels as part of its renewable energy mix, contributing to the overall energy self-sufficiency of the island.

Electric Vehicles

• Transportation: The island has invested in electric vehicles (EVs) to reduce fossil fuel consumption in transportation. This includes plans to transition to a fully electric ferry, replacing the current natural gas-powered ferry with electric propellers.

Economic and Social Impact

Job Creation and Local Economy

• The transition to renewable energy has created various jobs, including wind turbine technicians, EV mechanics, and research and support staff at the Samsø Energy Academy. This has helped in local economic growth and attracted new families to the island.

Tourism and Education

• The Samsø Energy Academy attracts around 5,000 “energy tourists” each year, promoting education and awareness about renewable energy. This has also contributed to the local economy and enhanced the island's reputation as a sustainable destination.

Community Engagement

• The success of Samsø's renewable energy transition is largely attributed to strong community engagement and local ownership. Inspiring trust and a sense of personal stakes among residents were key factors in achieving widespread support for the project.

Awards and Recognition

• Samsø has received the prestigious UN Global Climate Action Award for its climate leadership and communal efforts. The island has also been recognized for achieving a 100% net annual balance of renewable energy and is working towards becoming completely carbon-free by 2030.

Future Plans

• Samsø continues to work on its final goal of becoming 100% fossil fuel-free by 2030, ahead of Denmark’s national target. This includes further investments in renewable electricity for heating and transportation, and exploring the use of locally produced biogas and renewable electricity for ferries.

In summary, Samsø's wind farm and broader renewable energy infrastructure are integral components of its successful transition to a fossil fuel-free community, driven by local ownership, community engagement, and innovative use of renewable energy technologies.