Denmark's solar and wind project developers are withdrawing from lobby organization Green Power Denmark, citing poor value for money amid high membership fees and low electricity prices. Eurowind Energy confirms its exit with annual contributions exceeding 2.5 million Danish kroner, while Wind Estate pays around half a million kroner, as revealed by company executives.
Major Developers Depart
Wind Estate, based in Randers, formally left after the summer holidays last year, according to CEO Ane Mette Lysbech Kleis. Lisby WP has also exited, though founder Gunnar Lisby declined to elaborate pending talks with Green Power Denmark's management. Eurowind Energy, a key player from North Jutland, submitted its resignation effective December 31, 2026, confirmed by Joachim Steenstrup, head of external affairs and strategy. European Energy remains a member but offered no comment on potential departure, leaving its status ambiguous amid the growing exodus.
Financial Strain Cited
Ane Mette Lysbech Kleis of Wind Estate stated, "Our resignation is very pragmatic. It's a question of value for money." She pointed to several years of poor wind conditions, low power prices, and high membership fees as reasons. "We simply didn't think it was right to keep paying Green Power Denmark as an organization," she added. Joachim Steenstrup echoed this, noting, "We always evaluate our memberships and use our resources where we get the most benefit." These statements highlight a sector-wide cost-benefit reassessment, driven by economic pressures in Denmark's renewable energy market.
Membership Fee Details
Eurowind Energy's annual fee surpasses 2.5 million kroner, a significant sum for any business. Wind Estate's contribution is approximately 500,000 kroner yearly. Despite leaving Green Power Denmark, Wind Estate retains its membership in Dansk Erhverv, where Ane Mette Lysbech Kleis emphasized better alignment between costs and impact. "Here it matches much better with what we pay a membership for, and the opportunities we have for impact," she said. This shift underscores a broader trend where companies prioritize lobby groups offering tangible returns, especially in Copenhagen's competitive business districts and the Øresund region.
Industry Context and Challenges
The departures occur against a backdrop of challenging years for Danish renewable energy. Low electricity prices have squeezed revenues for developers, making high lobby fees harder to justify. Green Power Denmark, led by former Venstre politician Kristian Jensen, faces scrutiny as both large and small firms reassess their affiliations. The organization declined to comment on specific cases, stating only that it continuously receives both new members and resignations. This silence adds to the uncertainty surrounding the lobby's future influence on trade and commerce policies affecting Denmark's economy.
Exit Procedures and Timing
Resignations from Green Power Denmark do not take immediate effect, as memberships continue through the following year before termination. For Eurowind Energy, this means formal exit in 2026, allowing time for transition. This procedural delay may mitigate short-term disruptions but signals long-term strategic shifts. Companies are leveraging this period to reallocate resources, potentially impacting advocacy efforts for renewable energy exports and domestic trade updates.
Broader Implications for Danish Business
The exodus raises questions about the value proposition of industry lobby groups in Denmark. With firms like Wind Estate and Eurowind Energy redirecting funds, Green Power Denmark's ability to represent the sector may weaken. This could affect policy discussions in Copenhagen, where business districts rely on strong advocacy for renewable energy initiatives. The trend reflects a pragmatic, numbers-driven approach among Danish companies, prioritizing direct economic benefits over traditional membership roles.
Quotes from Key Executives
Ane Mette Lysbech Kleis summarized Wind Estate's stance: "We look at it, that it has been some bad wind years. Electricity prices are low, and the membership fees are high, and we simply didn't think it was right to keep paying." Joachim Steenstrup of Eurowind Energy added, "We assess all our memberships and use our resources where we get the most yield." These insights reveal a calculated business decision, emphasizing cost control in a volatile market.
Green Power Denmark's Response
Green Power Denmark offered no detailed commentary on the resignations, maintaining a neutral stance in written communications. The organization acknowledged receiving both new members and exits but provided no analysis of the reasons behind the departures. This lack of engagement may further alienate remaining members, especially if fees and benefits are not openly addressed.
Future Outlook for the Sector
As Danish renewable energy developers navigate low prices and high costs, their lobby choices will shape industry dynamics. The exits from Green Power Denmark suggest a realignment where firms seek more efficient advocacy channels. This could spur competition among business organizations in Denmark, potentially driving down fees or enhancing services. For now, the focus remains on financial prudence, with companies weighing every krone against potential trade advantages and economic impact.
Concluding Thoughts
The departure of multiple developers from Green Power Denmark marks a significant moment in Danish business news. It underscores a shift toward value-driven membership decisions, influenced by tangible returns and sectoral challenges. As firms like Wind Estate and Eurowind Energy pivot, the lobby's role in Copenhagen's trade updates and renewable energy policies may evolve, prompting broader reflections on organizational relevance in a changing economy.