The Danish government has announced it will fund the connection of Bornholm to the planned Energy Island Bornholm, significantly improving the island’s power supply security. When the energy island becomes operational around 2035, Bornholm will have two electricity cables instead of one, reducing vulnerability to outages and potentially lowering electricity prices for residents.
Two Cables to Replace Vulnerable Single Connection
Climate, Energy and Supply Minister Lars Aagaard recently confirmed that the government will pay to connect Bornholm’s electricity grid to the Energy Island Bornholm. The decision marks a significant upgrade to the island’s power infrastructure.
According to Aagaard, the new setup will dramatically improve power supply reliability. Instead of relying on a single undersea cable from Sweden as it does today, Bornholm will be connected through two cables when the energy island is completed. One cable will run to Zealand and another to Germany.
The minister emphasized that this configuration will not only enhance security but also promises lower electricity prices for Bornholm residents. The improved infrastructure addresses long-standing concerns about the island’s vulnerable power supply.
Current Cable System Proves Unreliable
Today, Bornholm receives electricity through a single undersea cable from Sweden. This arrangement has proven problematic on multiple occasions. In February 2022, the cable was severed when a ship’s anchor tore through it. The island had to rely entirely on its local power plant until repairs were completed.
More recently, in January 2026, approximately 40,000 Bornholm residents experienced a complete blackout lasting about three hours. The outage, which struck on January 21 at 10:16 a.m., disrupted water services, heating, communications and transport across the island. While Energinet confirmed the cable remained intact and attributed the failure to an overload, the incident highlighted the risks of depending on a single power connection.
Government Chooses Cost-Effective Solution
The existing Swedish cable is scheduled for replacement in 2035 due to wear and age. Rather than spending money on a new direct cable connection, the government decided to redirect those funds toward connecting Bornholm to the energy island instead.
Aagaard stated this approach will save approximately one billion kroner compared to establishing a new undersea cable. He described it as the most economical solution for everyone involved. The energy island will be powered by offshore wind farms in the Baltic Sea, with production destined for both Denmark and Germany.
Denmark and Germany Reach Agreement
Just days before the announcement about Bornholm’s connection, Denmark and Germany finalized an economic agreement regarding the establishment of wind farms that will supply the energy island. The wind farms will remain Danish, but Germany will help finance them since the country expects to receive substantial amounts of electricity from Baltic Sea wind power.
Local Leaders Welcome Decision
Bornholm’s mayor Frederik Tolstrup expressed strong satisfaction with the government’s decision. He noted that improved supply security through multiple cables has been a long-standing wish for the island.
Tolstrup particularly appreciated the swift decision-making process, coming so soon after the Denmark-Germany wind farm agreement. However, he expressed some skepticism about whether electricity prices would actually decrease for Bornholm residents, despite the minister’s assurances.
Instead, the mayor emphasized that the primary benefit lies in supply security and preparing for a future where electricity demand will be much higher. The current cable cannot handle the increased load that future needs will require.
Opening Door for Heavy Industry
Beyond residential benefits, connecting to the Energy Island Bornholm will enable electricity-intensive businesses to establish operations on the island. The current undersea cable has limitations on how much power it can transfer, restricting industrial development.
With the new infrastructure, Bornholm will have the capacity to support more ambitious economic activities. This could potentially transform the island’s economic landscape while maintaining the improved reliability that residents need.
Eventually, when the energy island becomes operational around 2035, Bornholm will transition from one of Denmark’s most vulnerable electricity grids to one of its most secure. The dual-cable system represents not just a technical upgrade but a fundamental shift in how the island connects to national and international power networks.
At the same time, the project demonstrates how Denmark is integrating regional infrastructure needs with its broader green energy ambitions. The connection serves multiple purposes: enhancing local security, enabling renewable energy distribution and supporting economic development across the Baltic region.
Sources and References
The Danish Dream: Denmark Energy Island Project Gets Green Light from the Government
The Danish Dream: Energy Electricity in Denmark for Foreigners
DR: Bornholm bliver sikret langt bedre mod strøm-afbrydelser
