Architecture

Denmark embarks on ambitious plan to create new islands off Copenhagen coast

Denmark embarks on ambitious plan to create new islands off Copenhagen coast
Assuming all goes well, construction of the Holmene project is expected to begin in 2022 and be completed in 2040
Assuming all goes well, construction of the Holmene project is expected to begin in 2022 and be completed in 2040
View 4 Images
Holmene will produce a lot of green energy from wind turbines and what Urban Power calls the largest Waste-to-Energy plant in Northern Europe
1/4
Holmene will produce a lot of green energy from wind turbines and what Urban Power calls the largest Waste-to-Energy plant in Northern Europe
Holmene will include nature trails and cycle paths
2/4
Holmene will include nature trails and cycle paths
Assuming all goes well, construction of the Holmene project is expected to begin in 2022 and be completed in 2040
3/4
Assuming all goes well, construction of the Holmene project is expected to begin in 2022 and be completed in 2040
Image showing the site of Holmene as it looks now
4/4
Image showing the site of Holmene as it looks now 
View gallery - 4 images

The Danish government and greater Copenhagen mayors, working with Urban Power architecture and planning, have embarked on an ambitious scheme to create nine new islands off the coast of Copenhagen. The massive land reclamation project will provide new space for leisure and industry use, as well as a lot of energy production.

The project is named Holmene (the Islets) and will be located 10 km (6.2 miles) south of Copenhagen. It's a huge endeavor and the nine islands will be made from surplus soil derived from the region's subway and building projects – some 26 million cubic meters (around 900 million cubic ft) – will be used.

The islands will provide around 3 million sq m (roughly 32 million sq ft) of new space, including commercial and industrial areas and a natural landscape for sports and outdoor activities. Green energy is a major focus too and it will boast wind turbines and what Urban Power calls the largest Waste-to-Energy plant in Northern Europe.

Additionally, flood defenses and inaccessible reefs and islets meant for local wildlife will be created.

Holmene will include nature trails and cycle paths
Holmene will include nature trails and cycle paths

Construction is expected to begin in 2022 and to be completed in 2040. The construction budget is estimated at €425 million (about US$490 million) and the islands will be created one at a time. The first island should be up and running in about six years.

"The strategy has several advantages," explains Urban Power's Arne Cermak Nielsen. "It can be developed stepwise without leaving the impression of an unfinished project, if a new economic recession appears. Furthermore the islands can be thematically developed, leaving the best conditions for the innovative industry and research within green tech, bio tech, life science and future yet unknown sectors. The quality of being by the water should not be underestimated, and the shores of the islands and the delta that emerge between them has a unique potential."

Sources: Urban Power, Danish Government

View gallery - 4 images
4 comments
4 comments
MerlinGuy
I would like to know the effects on global warming caused by large scale replacement of ocean area with land.
Koz
So, I I've been hearing is how global warming is killing the earth and how we MUST DO SOMETHING. And here we are seeing Denmark buld new islands. I thought sea levels are rising? Is Denmark going to be prepared if the sea rises and wipes out these islands? Are they building in protections? Or, will they wait until disaster strikes and then try to get money for help from the USA and the rest of the world. I say build up, not out to sea.
paul314
How far above expected sea level?
Douglas Bennett Rogers
A good place for the floating houses in yesterday's issue.