The state will designate five industrial parks where manufacturing companies will receive faster regulatory processing, fewer barriers, and a single point of contact. Behind the technical language lies a significant industrial policy shift: Denmark will once again actively focus on production - particularly green, energy-intensive, and technologically advanced.
The initiative, known as 'Red Carpet', aims to strengthen Denmark's position in a global race for green technology and industrial presence. It has sparked a competition within Denmark.
31 locations have applied as candidates. Some with established clusters and major business partners. Others with green visions and undeveloped areas. And although the municipalities do not say it out loud, it is a direct competition. There will only be room for five. It is a selection - not a distribution.
For municipalities like Lolland, Næstved, and Vordingborg, it could be a significant game changer. Not necessarily tomorrow, but as a signal to investors, officials, and companies that the state has plans here. And in this kind of signal politics, there are only winners - and those who did not make it.
Below is a comprehensive overview of all the bids. The five industrial parks will be designated during 2025.
Lolland - Rødbyhavn
The plan for Rødbyhavn
Femern Port & Industrial Park is expanding on the tunnel element factory and associated port. The area has direct access to the Fehmarn connection and will accommodate green industry, logistics, and possibly defence production. Lolland Municipality highlights the completed areas, existing infrastructure, and international perspectives. The location close to Germany is emphasised as a clear advantage. The municipality sees Rødbyhavn as a natural complement to the port activities in the Fehmarn connection.
Næstved and Vordingborg - Tappernøje/Bårse
Morten Bødskov visiting.
The two municipalities have submitted a joint application under the name Industrial Hub Zealand. The focus is on green production, logistics, and connection to the Fehmarn connection and motorway network. The area is located near both the motorway and railway, and the area is already planned for business development. The municipalities emphasise flexibility, readiness for development, and the possibility of attracting both Danish and international actors.
Ringsted - Zealand Industrial Port
With 423 hectares and a view of both a combined terminal and a new motorway exit, Ringsted has raised its ambitions. The location centrally in Zealand and in the middle of the national transport network is a key argument. The area is already designated in the municipal plan, and Ringsted is actively working to promote green technology and large productions. There is interest in synergies with other energy facilities in the area.
Holbæk - Regstrup and Jyderup
Holbæk has submitted two separate applications - one for Jyderup and one for Regstrup. Both areas are under development for business purposes. The municipality highlights the proximity to the motorway and railway as well as the potential for green production and international attraction. The Regstrup project, in particular, is mentioned as a platform for bioeconomy and collaboration with vocational schools. Holbæk aims to position itself as an alternative to the capital area.
Kalundborg - expansion of industrial cluster
Kalundborg aims to strengthen its role as a biotechnological hub with Novo Nordisk, Ørsted, and Asnæsværket as key players. The municipality highlights both the experience with large industrial projects and access to green energy. The press conference where the government launched the industrial park initiative was held in Kalundborg - and it is widely interpreted as a signal. The municipality points to synergies between existing businesses and new production.
Køge - Scandinavian Transport Centre
Køge Municipality plans to expand the existing business area around the motorway and station. Emphasis is placed on logistics, green transport, and sustainable building materials. The application describes strong infrastructure and access to Køge Harbour. The municipality highlights collaboration with utility companies and the potential for large-scale establishments. Køge aims to attract green export companies.
Roskilde - Trekroner Business
Roskilde Municipality proposes an area at Trekroner, close to the motorway network and railway. The area is planned with a focus on green production and collaboration with knowledge institutions. The municipality aims to strengthen the link between DTU Risø and industry. The area is developed and ready for establishment. Roskilde sees itself as an alternative to the congestion of the capital region.
Faxe - Rønnede Business Area
Faxe Municipality has designated an area near Rønnede close to the South Motorway. The 170 ha area is suitable for green industry and logistics. The municipality points to the potential for Power-to-X and bio-based production. They highlight the municipality's willingness to invest and clear planning frameworks. The location makes it possible to serve both Zealand and the Femern connection.
Fredericia - Taulov Dry Port
Fredericia aims to expand Taulov as Denmark's logistics centre. The area has direct access to the motorway, railway, and port. The application highlights actors such as ADP, DLG, and Taulov Dry Port as strengths. There is a focus on green transition, warehousing, and heavy production. The municipality already has experience with large business projects and strong infrastructure.
Esbjerg - East Port
Esbjerg has identified East Port as a base for offshore, green hydrogen, and energy production. The municipality highlights the presence of major players such as Ørsted, Semco, and Total. There is access to the port, motorway, and green electricity. The plan includes large contiguous areas and test facilities. Esbjerg profiles itself as Europe's energy metropolis.
Sønderborg - Stenager Industrial Area
Sønderborg is focusing on an area at Stenager north of the city. There is access to the motorway, and the area is close to the university and green research environments. The municipality emphasises energy efficiency and green technology. The application is based on collaboration with ProjectZero and Danfoss. Sønderborg aims to be a test site for sector coupling and energy storage.
Tønder - Bredebro
Tønder has designated 190 hectares at Bredebro, close to the German border and the E45. The area is intended for green industry and production with access to green energy. There is a focus on proximity to workplaces and export. The municipality points to the possibility of German labour. The application is among the few focusing on the potential of the border region.
Vejen - Vestermarksvej and Norgesvej
Vejen Municipality proposes an industrial park of 138 hectares west of the city. The area is close to the motorway and Energipark Revsing. The focus is on green production, Power-to-X, and large industrial companies. The municipality highlights flexibility, phased development, and strong local support. The project aims to create growth and jobs in South Jutland.
Vejle - Northwest Industrial Area
Vejle Municipality proposes an area northwest of the city, close to the E45. It is intended for heavy industry and green production. There is a focus on collaboration with local businesses and educational institutions. Vejle highlights its location in the middle of the triangle area. The area can be adapted for large units with logistics and energy needs.
Kolding - Tankedalsvej to Vamdrup
Kolding Municipality proposes a broad belt for environmentally heavy industry. From Tankedalsvej to Vamdrup, with access to motorway, railway, and airport. The area is suitable for companies in environmental class up to 6. The municipality highlights hydrogen infrastructure and the future Hærvejsmotorvej. There are no specific companies on the way in yet.
Odense - Lindø Industrial Park
Odense points to Lindø Industrial Park at Munkebo as an obvious choice. The focus is on offshore, robotics, and large-scale production. The area is developed and already houses major players like Vestas and Fayard. The municipality highlights accessibility, port, and business collaborations. Lindø is already operational and can be expanded.
Ikast-Brande - Business Area Southwest
Ikast-Brande Municipality proposes a new area southwest of Ikast with a focus on green energy and manufacturing companies. The location is close to the motorway and has good electricity and heat supply options. The municipality highlights the area's size and flexibility. There is local support and potential for expansion. Synergies with existing companies are being worked on.
Herning - Business Area North
Herning proposes an area north of the city, where there is already experience with large establishments. The area is close to the motorway and railway. The municipality aims to attract green industry and highlights good supply conditions. They focus on quick planning and a strong business climate. Herning will build on the existing industrial structure.
Holstebro - Idom-Råsted
Holstebro is focusing on an area south of the town, with access to the motorway, district heating, and green electricity. The area can be developed in stages and is ready for environmentally heavy industry. The municipality highlights low land prices and a strong network. They aim to attract companies that need space and energy. The project is envisioned as a new chapter in the municipality's growth strategy.
Aalborg - Nordjyllandsværket
Aalborg has identified areas at the former Nordjyllandsværket power plant. Here, there is access to district heating, green electricity, and a port. The focus is on Power-to-X, heavy industry, and energy-intensive productions. The municipality already has interest from several investors. The location is linked to the city's green strategy and university.
Vesthimmerland - Svoldrup Kær
Vesthimmerland wants to develop areas at Svoldrup Kær near Aars. The area borders a future energy park with biogas and hydrogen. The municipality highlights access to labour and space for development. The project aims to create green growth in central Himmerland. There is a focus on collaboration with businesses and utility companies.
Viborg - Foulum
Viborg Municipality proposes an area at Foulum, where Aarhus University and Agro Business Park are located. Here, work is being done on bioeconomy and green energy research. The municipality wants to link research and industry more closely. The area is close to the motorway and power grid. The application emphasizes knowledge, innovation, and production side by side.
Skive - GreenLab
Skive Municipality wishes to elevate GreenLab Skive as a state industrial park. The existing area is already used for testing and developing future energy systems. Here, companies are directly connected to local solar and wind production. The municipality highlights collaborations with research and international actors. GreenLab is conceived as a green and circular model.
Norddjurs - Grenaa Harbour and transformation
Norddjurs has proposed Grenaa Harbour and nearby areas for heavy green production. The municipality highlights access to quay facilities, heavy infrastructure, and green electricity. The area can be quickly prepared, and there is potential for a rail connection. The municipality focuses on wind, offshore, and Power-to-X. The project has regional support and an export focus.
Aabenraa - two proposals: Padborg and Kassø
Aabenraa Municipality has submitted two applications: one at Padborg focusing on logistics and border-near business, and one at Kassø with access to Energinet's hydrogen infrastructure. The Padborg project focuses on heavy transport and export. Kassø is intended for green industry and Power-to-X. The municipality emphasizes access to EU markets and strong supply.
Brønderslev - Øster Brønderslev
Brønderslev proposes an area at Øster Brønderslev near motorway E39. The focus is on environmentally heavy industry and access to green energy. The municipality highlights low noise levels and quick planning. The area is well-positioned for logistics and North Jutland's network. The project aims to create jobs in a traditional agricultural area.
Egedal - Vinge Area
Egedal Municipality offers an area near Vinge Station and the Frederikssund Motorway. The focus is on green production and connection to the capital region. The municipality highlights modern infrastructure and the potential for large companies. Emphasis is placed on sustainability and the development needs of the business sector. Egedal positions itself as the green gateway to Greater Copenhagen.
