Residents near Krageris in western Denmark fear losing their peaceful surroundings as plans for a massive data center and greenhouses move ahead. Local politicians say they’ve done their best to include people in the process, but many remain unconvinced and frustrated.
Local Frustration Over Major Development Plans
In the rural area of Krageris near Ølgod, life has long revolved around open fields and quiet nature. That balance may soon shift as a company has proposed building a 174-hectare data center complex with attached greenhouses. For locals, it feels like their countryside tranquility could vanish overnight.
Many residents say they have been left out of the discussion and feel that major decisions are being made without their input. Some living closest to the proposed site describe a growing sense of powerlessness. They worry about losing their scenic views, increased noise, new traffic on small country roads, and the overall impact on property values.
Hopes for Jobs, But Distrust Among Locals
While the project has the potential to bring hundreds of new jobs to Varde Municipality, skepticism remains strong among nearby homeowners. Several residents argue that the promise of employment does not make up for what they will lose—or the uncertainty they face about environmental consequences.
For many, the area’s natural surroundings were the main reason to settle there. They see the project as a direct contradiction to the rural lifestyle they sought out. The fear is not only about the construction but also about how the new industrial presence will permanently change the local landscape.
Varde officials emphasize that economic growth is essential to maintain welfare services and that private investment is part of sustaining the municipality’s future. Still, opponents believe political leaders have become too focused on attracting large-scale projects at the expense of current taxpayers and communities.
Officials Defend Public Involvement
Preben Friis-Hauge from the Liberal Party (Venstre), who heads Varde’s Planning and Technical Committee, insists the municipality has done everything possible to involve citizens. He points to public meetings, community workshops, and local consultants hired to ensure dialogue. Despite that, he admits balancing everyone’s interests is difficult.
Kitty Gamkinn from the local party Nærdemokraterne agrees that the process might need improvement. She believes future projects should only move forward where neighbors respond positively. She also argues that companies must take greater responsibility to engage with affected residents before construction starts.
Next Steps and Political Debate
The project is expected to be reviewed by the next municipal council following the upcoming local and regional elections. If approved, construction could begin as early as 2026. The investor behind the plan, the technology company atNorth, has stated that it has made the project information publicly available and participated in hearings for transparency.
According to statements shared with national broadcaster DR, atNorth says it plans to maintain open communication with the local community and encourages questions and feedback throughout the process.
Meanwhile, the issue continues to dominate local politics, shaping debate among both established parties and newcomers. In online discussions and during televised election liveblogs, voters have repeatedly brought up concerns about large infrastructure developments and how much influence ordinary citizens really have.
Candidates have also been tested on these issues in DR’s candidate test portal, reflecting how important the subject has become for the region’s future direction.
Balancing Growth and Rural Identity
For now, Krageris residents remain caught between hope and frustration. The municipality sees opportunity for local growth, but many households near the proposed site just want to protect the calm, unspoiled countryside that first drew them there.
How the council chooses to proceed after the election may set a precedent for how Danish municipalities handle similar technology projects in the years ahead—balancing the need for digital infrastructure with the voices of those living at the edge of industrial expansion.
Sources and References
DR: Plans for a data center move ahead: “It’s a feeling of powerlessness”
DR Kommunalvalg
DR Liveblog: Latest updates from the local elections
DR Candidate Test
