Significant delays plague the expansion of Denmark’s electricity grid, impeding the green transition and potentially costing millions. Climate Minister Lars Aagaard faces parliamentary scrutiny over the matter, which previously threatened his ministerial position.

A recent report reveals that 141 out of Energinet’s 199 electricity projects are now delayed by an average of 29 months. The report, covering the period from the first to the second quarter of this year, shows that while the number of delayed projects remained constant, the existing delays have increased by an average of three months.

Minister Aagaard has expressed his frustration, stating that Energinet needs to improve its management of customer expectations and establish realistic schedules. He also expects Energinet to focus on designing a more effective organization and project model.

Energinet and the Minister of Energy attribute some of the challenges, such as environmental approvals and component procurement, to external factors. The government has implemented measures to address these issues, including easier access to expropriation and relaxations in environmental screenings, but these initiatives have yet to yield results.