TotalEnergies is withdrawing from the planned Lillebælt Syd offshore wind farm between Als and Helnæs, leaving Sønderborg Kommune and its utility Sonfor searching for a new investor.
The French energy company owns 72 percent of the shares in LillebæltSyd Vindmøllepark and is selling its stake. DR reports that TotalEnergies told the broadcaster the Lillebælt project does not make sense for it to invest in. The company said it will instead focus on larger projects.
The exit was first reported earlier this month by EnergiWatch. According to that outlet, TotalEnergies says the economics of offshore wind depend increasingly on project scale. It is concentrating on developments larger than the 165 MW Lillebælt Syd and the 240 MW Jammerland Bugt projects, and aims to sell both Danish stakes during the second half of 2026.
The plan involves 11 offshore turbines with a height of 256 meters. They would stand in the roughly 13 kilometer stretch between the northern coast of Als and Helnæs in southwest Funen. A permit for the project has already been issued.
Critics see an opening
Opponents of the project now see a chance that the turbines will never be raised. Pauline Nielsen, who owns a summer house on the coast of northern Als, told DR she would be glad if the plan collapses. She said opponents have fought large offshore turbines in Lillebælt since 2012.
One of the project’s most prominent critics is Søren Steen Andersen (V), mayor of Assens on the Funen side. As reported by DR, he said his hope had been dwindling, but is rising again. He now sees a probability that no turbines will be built at the site.
Save up to 2,800 DKK on Your Electricity Bill
FindElpriser helps you switch electricity providers quickly and easily.
Hunting for a new investor
Sønderborg Kommune and the municipally owned utility Sonfor have not abandoned the project. They have given themselves one year to find a new investor. Mayor Erik Lauritzen (S) said he believes investors can be found, but acknowledged it will be difficult.
Lauritzen pointed to state support for large offshore wind projects, which smaller projects do not receive on the same terms. He hopes politicians in the Folketing will increase support for smaller developments such as the one in Lillebælt. He also said there is a limit to how much risk the municipality can carry.
Sonfor takes over the majority of the shares in September. European Energy keeps its holding of just under 13 percent of the project.
In a statement, SONFOR said it will assume the majority shareholding after the withdrawal by TotalEnergies. The utility will start a process to find a new operating partner and reassess the business case. That process is expected to conclude by the end of June 2027.
The turbines have been part of Sønderborg’s plans for years as a way to bring more green electricity to the area. The project area lies in Lillebælt, the strait separating Funen from southern Jutland and Als.
