Denmark to build an artificial island in the port of Copenhagen

The Danish government plans to construct an artificial island in the port of Copenhagen, the capital city of Denmark.

The parliament of Denmark recently voted in favor of the artificial island's construction. The endeavor will cost about $3,17 billion and there are plans to conduct studies (feasibility of the project, archaeological research) later in 2021. Nonetheless, even if all procedures progress quickly, the construction of the artificial project will not begin before 2035 and will be completed in 2070 (almost 50 years from now). The island which was named Lynetteholm will cover an area of 2.6 square kilometers slightly less than the Central Park of New York City in the United States. Plans for the island have been made since 2018.

Lynetteholm is planned to be constructed north of Refshale Island, a former industrial area. It will be connected with the mainland via a tunnel. The purpose of the island's establishment is twofold: 1. It will provide space for new buildings and will accommodate about 35,000 people and 2. It will act as a barrier for Copenhagen port protecting it from the seawater level rise which is expected in the near future. In particular, a dam system will be constructed around the island and will keep water from rising sea and surges away from the city.

However, the project has attracted severe environmental concerns with many people being opposed to its realization. The protestors are worried about Copenhagen being transformed into a large construction site for years to come. The establishment of the island requires about 80 million tons of soil to be delivered on-site. People worry that the city and the surrounding environment will drastically change. An environmental agency mentioned that it would require 350 track deliveries per day to transport all the material needed and thus, pollution will be created. "This is something that is going to happen for the next 50 years, for the rest of these people’s lives. So, they are very much against the decision. There has been a major citizen mobilization towards stopping this project," Frederik Roland Sandby, the Secretary-General of the Climate Movement in Denmark, stated. Other concerns regard the impact of the material deposition in the sea on the local ecosystem. In fact, environmental groups have brought a case against the establishment of Lynetteholm before the European Court of Justice.

Denmark is aiming towards the establishment of artificial islands for more purposes. Earlier this year, the government announced plans for an artificial island that will accommodate a 10GW wind farm consisting of at least 200 wind turbines. The project will provide clean power to the 3 million residences of Denmark and the excess energy will be delivered to neighboring countries. In 2019, the country also announced a project comprising 9 artificial islands north of Copenhagen that will be used for businesses' establishment and housing.

Sources: BBC Euronews ZMEscience