Tuesday’s Top News Highlights from Denmark

In Denmark, significant developments have emerged this Tuesday, touching various sectors including international education, renewable energy, and housing. These highlight ongoing government initiatives and market adjustments affecting the country.

Decline in International Student Applications

The introduction of new regulations has led to a notable decline in international student applications for non-accredited courses. The Danish government implemented these rules on May 2nd, aiming to prevent students from Bangladesh and Nepal from working in low-paying jobs linked to their study visas.

• Applications dropped from 523 in April to just 15 in May.
• The new regulations restrict work rights for students and their accompanying family members.
• This move is part of a broader governmental strategy to regulate the influx of international students.

Launch of Low-Carbon Hydrogen Facility

A landmark event occurred with the inauguration of a low-carbon hydrogen plant in Fredericia. This facility, known as the HySynergy project, utilizes renewable energy sources to produce hydrogen.

• It has the capacity to produce around eight tonnes of hydrogen daily.
• The project is expected to power nearby refineries and support energy needs in Germany.
• Initially generating 20 megawatts, expansion plans are already in place.

Jakob Korsgaard, CEO of Everfuel, highlighted the project’s significance for clean energy in Denmark.

Ørsted Sells Stake in Offshore Wind Farm

In corporate news, Ørsted, a prominent wind power company in Denmark, announced the sale of half of its Hornsea 3 Offshore Wind Farm to US-based Apollo for approximately $6 billion. This transaction is poised to aid in Ørsted’s financial management.

• Apollo acquires a 50% stake and assumes half of the remaining construction liabilities.
• Ørsted will receive about $3.1 billion from the deal.
• The sale is seen as a critical step in the company’s funding strategy.

Government Initiatives to Boost Affordable Housing

Moreover, the Danish government is targeting the construction of subsidized social housing. By increasing the maximum allowable construction costs, officials aim to incentivize development.

• This initiative is expected to primarily benefit urban areas like Copenhagen and Aarhus.
• Pernille Rosenkrantz-Theil, a candidate for mayor of Copenhagen, emphasized its importance for public housing expansion.

These developments highlight the dynamic landscape in Denmark, showcasing both challenges and opportunities across education, energy, and housing sectors.