Wind Turbines on the Faroe Islands – Trap The Faroe Islands

With a battery system specially developed for the Faroe Islands’ electricity system, SEV’s wind farm in Húsahagi outside Tórshavn marked a significant step forward in the green transition. ÓLAVUR FREDERIKSEN, 2019

The Faroe Islands’ electricity production and energy consumption in 2020. 0.4 % of the electricity production is not indicated and comes from solar energy and biogas. UO03020 & UO03010

In 2020, diesel power stations accounted for 61.3 % of electricity production, while water and wind turbines accounted for 26.7 % and 11.6 %, respectively. However, the intermunicipal electricity company, SEV, has a goal that all electricity production must come from renewable energy sources by 2030, which will require a significant expansion of renewable energy. Wind turbines will probably play an important part in this respect, and a large number of wind turbines will therefore need to be erected on the islands before 2030.

Wind is a relatively constant factor in Faroe Islands and comes at quite high speeds, meaning that wind energy has great potential in electricity production, even if the steep mountains in several places present challenges in the form of turbulence. The location of the wind turbines is assessed based on the wind conditions, the infrastructure and the distribution grid. The planning will also need to take into account the nature values that might be affected by the wind turbines. For example, the wind turbines may be a challenge to bird life, which is disturbed by the noise, just as there is a risk of collisions with flying birds. The aesthetics must also be considered when placing the wind turbines, as must the fact that they can cause noise nuisances in, for example, nearby residential areas.

Before a licence can be given for establishing wind turbines, an environmental impact assessment must therefore be carried out to consider and assess all major consequences for the environment and nature. In this connection, the public and all relevant authorities and organisations will be involved. In addition, wind turbines must be given environmental approval which defines a threshold value for noise and shadow as well as requirements for self-monitoring and reporting.

Further reading