Residents express concerns over solar park funding in Syddjurs, Denmark

Most neighbors of wind turbines or solar panels respond with a resounding “NO THANK YOU” to the idea. However, the view of long rows of black solar panels from their backyards may soon become more tolerable. Companies that install solar panels are now required to contribute to a so-called green fund, which has increased to 125,000 kroner per megawatt starting July 1. This change could soon benefit residents near a large solar farm in Djursland.

The groundbreaking for the solar park, covering an area equivalent to two football fields, has taken place between the small villages of Kolind, Nødager, and Mårup. Residents are concerned that the municipality might overlook their needs. Bo Hallberg, a member of the newly formed Nødager Residents’ Association, expressed dissatisfaction with the municipality’s response to their requests for improved traffic conditions and a bike path to Kolind.

As the solar park goes live next spring, a one-time payment of ten million kroner will be allocated to Syddjurs Municipality—funds that the Nødager community hopes to access. Hallberg raised concerns that the municipality may prioritize funding for Kolind, a larger town nearby, rather than addressing the needs of their community.

Concerns about municipal budget management are also evident, as past instances showed municipalities using green fund money to fill budget gaps instead of benefiting the local community directly, according to an energy planning lecturer at Aalborg University. Recently amended laws aim to ensure green fund allocations prioritize local environmental and public benefit projects.

In Syddjurs, a steering group managing the fund includes two representatives from local communities, yet Hallberg questions whether local communities should have direct control over the distribution of millions without external political influence.