Denmark's largest offshore wind farm, Horns Rev 2, has from the start of the project created activity in the Port of Esbjerg and the local area.DONG Energy began construction of Horns Rev 2 in May 2008 and this process continued until the farm was brought online in November 2009. Throughout the process, over 600 people were involved in the project in Esbjerg and more than 25 vessels were chartered for the project. The construction of Horns Rev 2 therefore had positive ramifications in Esbjerg in several ways. 

• Over 600 people were involved in the construction of Horns Rev 2
• Local suppliers and partners on board from the start
• Close cooperation creates innovation and innovative thinking

From fishing town to offshore hub
For many years, Esbjerg was one of Denmark's largest fishing ports. However, in recent decades, the town has undergone a dramatic transformation. One in ten inhabitants of Esbjerg is now directly or indirectly involved in the offshore industry. The port remains the driving force in Esbjerg but today it is the many offshore activities that characterise the port.

Since the beginning of the construction of Horns Rev 2, local suppliers and partners have been on board and this was essential to the creation of the wind farm. This covered everything from shipping foundations through transporting rotor blades and turbines to blacksmiths and installers and the technicians on the quayside. This close cooperation across the board between large numbers of competent people means that DONG Energy and Esbjerg now possess important experience and unique knowledge.

Cooperation creates innovation
The broad cooperation with local companies has also led to the use of new technology, for example in the fields of radar and communication equipment. This technology now makes it possible for employees onshore to communicate digitally with those working offshore. The employees can communicate as clearly as if they were face to face. This was not previously possible and the technology is internationally known.

"This is an example of close cooperation creating innovation and innovative thinking. The rest of the world is aware that we in Denmark have strong capabilities and are leaders in a number of fields," says Allan Due Overbeck, head of DONG Energy’s Horns Rev 2 office, about our close cooperation with companies in Esbjerg and the surrounding area.

DONG Energy and Esbjerg today
DONG Energy’s Horns Rev 2 office in the Port of Esbjerg has 24 employees, by far the majority of whom are locals. The work includes servicing and monitoring the turbines for the technicians who optimise production. If we also include the Esbjerg power station and DONG Energy’s Exploration & Production activities, i.e. the activities associated with oil exploration and extraction in the North Sea, we have over 200 employees in Esbjerg today.

If you want to read more about Exploration & Production's activities, please click on the link to the right.