A master thesis from Aalborg University
Solar Power: Creating Value for Rural Villages through Renewable Energy Projects in the Realm of Contemporary Danish Strategic Spatial Planning.
[Solar Power: Værdiskabelse for landsbyer gennem vedvarende energiprojekter inden for nutidig dansk strategisk fysisk planlægning.]
Author(s)
Term
4. term
Education
Publication year
2025
Submitted on
2025-05-27
Pages
178 pages
Abstract
The aim of this thesis has been to investigate how renewable energy projects, particularly ground-mounted solar parks, can be meaningfully integrated into contemporary Danish strategic spatial planning for rural villages, whilst preserving and enhancing their social, cultural, and landscape qualities. The thesis combines insights from adaptive and transformative strategic planning theory with lessons drawn from two key cases: the Viuf-Håstrup solar park and the village of Harndrup. These two locations served as focal points for exploring how solar parks can be designed and implemented to generate local value beyond mere energy production. The theoretical framework builds upon collaborative and place-sensitive planning traditions, highlighting how spatial planners, municipalities, and energy developers can mediate between national sustainability ambitions and local landscape values. A context-sensitive planning and design model for integrating solar energy projects into rural settings is proposed. This model was applied to Harndrup and translated into a series of spatial design interventions, grounded in a nuanced understanding of the site’s social fabric, cultural identity, and physical landscape. These interventions seek to reinforce the village’s existing qualities, align with strategic development objectives, and create added value for both the community and its surroundings. Through thoughtful spatial integration, the use of visual design principles, and close attention to community needs, the project demonstrates how solar parks can act as catalysts for rural development. The added value lies in improved public access to the landscape, a strengthened sense of local identity, enhanced recreational opportunities, and new connections between technological infrastructure and everyday life. Ultimately, this thesis argues that, with the appropriate strategic tools, participatory processes, and design awareness, solar parks can contribute to an approach to Denmark’s green transition that add value to rural villages
Keywords
Documents
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