Fehmarn’s Wind Power Puzzle: Public Opinion, Local Motivation, and the Road to Energy Independence

A Wind Island

Fehmarn already produces far more electricity than it uses — more than 800% of its annual electricity demand, largely from wind turbines. It’s a rare case of a region that could, in theory, power itself several times over using renewable energy.

In practice, however, Fehmarn can’t directly use this energy. Due to legal and infrastructural barriers, the electricity generated on the island is sold into the national grid — and then bought back for consumption, like many other regions. This disconnect is not just stemming from a technical issue; but a political and legal one.

To explore whether and how this status quo could be changed, we conducted a public survey in late 2024 through early 2025 as part of our Baltic Sea2Land project. The goal was to understand:

1. What people think of wind turbines on Fehmarn,
2. What drives them to switch (or not switch) to green electricity providers, and
3. Whether there’s public support for Fehmarn to become energy-autonomous — and under what conditions.

The findings show a complex but encouraging picture: there’s widespread support for local energy use and green infrastructure, but also specific concerns that planners and policymakers will need to address.

Wind Power Perceptions: Strong Support, but Not Without Concerns

Overall, most of Fehmarn’s citizens and guests view the island’s wind turbines positively. On a 0–10 scale, average support landed around 7.5, with young people and women being more favorable.

Interestingly, the most skeptical group was also the youngest (18–29) — not because they opposed climate goals, but because they were more likely to fear negative effects on tourism. Meanwhile, the 30–44 age group showed the least concern, possibly because they are more climate-oriented or less tied to the tourism economy.

Support varied across regions: Lemkenhafen and Petersdorf had higher concern levels, possibly due to proximity to turbines, while Burg, the island’s most populated area, was more supportive.

Key concerns were:

• Noise and shadow flicker effects,
• Risk to birds and bats,
• Turbines being perceived as unattractive or “too many” by tourists

At the same time, many respondents — both citizens and tourists — saw turbines as symbols of progress. Here are some quotes from participants:

„In favor of wind power, because it is modern and innovative.“

„The energy transition must move forward in order to enable our children to have a future worth living.“

In conclusion, while support is strong, it comes with an important condition: integration must be careful and respectful of nature, local population, and tourism.

Switching to Local Green Electricity

Could Fehmarn’s residents choose to use electricity produced directly from their own turbines alone? Legally, not yet — but it’s being explored. The survey asked: if local green electricity were available, what would convince people to switch?

The answer: Price.

• ~58% named a lower price as their main motivation while choosing or changing a provider.
• Environmental concerns and regional sourcing ranked second in the survey.
• Service, trust, and transparency also mattered, but placed behind the first two reasons.

In the meanwhile, citizens expressed that they are more in favor of transformation if it’s going to benefit the local economy:

“It would be ideal if you could create regional added value…“

“If it is produced locally, the city or citizens should also earn locally from it and pay the least.“

The lesson? A local electricity supply must be competitive and well-communicated. Without affordability and local benefit, uptake will remain limited — even in a climate-conscious community.

Energy Autonomy: The Reality

Fehmarn has everything it needs to become energy autonomous: resources, infrastructure, and (to a large extent) public support. The survey revealed strong interest in the idea of using the island’s own energy for its own needs.

Yet major challenges remain:

• There is no local energy storage infrastructure, and limited flexibility in the current grid.
• Contracts and regulations force producers to sell to the grid — preventing direct local use.
• There is no framework yet for local producers to self-market energy to households and businesses.

Still, many respondents see autonomy as a realistic and desirable future:

„Don’t let yourself be dissuaded from the climate self-sufficiency of Fehmarn!“

Interestingly, guests echoed with similar values:

„I would even rather go on holiday to Fehmarn if the electricity for my holiday is mainly produced regionally and sustainably.“

Conclusion

Fehmarn produces more electricity than it needs — and its people are ready to use it. The idea of a climate-neutral island powered by its own wind is not only feasible, but increasingly urgent.

But realizing that vision will require:

• Legal reforms to allow local consumption of locally produced power,
• Affordable, accessible offers that motivate switching,
• Transparent planning that protects nature and the tourism economy,
• And a coordinated effort among municipalities, providers, and citizens.

Fehmarn’s survey tells us this: the people are ready. The question is whether the systems and regulations will catch up. If they do, Fehmarn won’t just be an island that exports clean power — it will be a symbol of local, citizen-led energy transformation.