Municipal Managment and
Local Governance
BMEGT42M106
INTEGRATING SMART EFFICIENCY AND SOLAR
POWER IN FREDERIKSHAVN PUBLIC
BUILDINGS
Student name: Tran Huyen Trang
Student’s code: JCV0KE
Lecturer: PhD. George Horváth
May 20th 2026
, ABSTRACT
The transition into a renewable energy system is a critical priority for municipalities who are
seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure long-term sustainability. This research work on
the integration of solar power and smart energy efficiency technologies within the public buildings
of Frederikshavn, Denmark, one of the pioneers in global energy innovation. It examines the
installation of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic panels, solar thermal collectors, and intelligent
automation systems, such as motion sensors and smart lighting, across municipal infrastructure.
Utilizing the EnergyPLAN modeling tool, the research simulates hourly energy production and
consumption to optimize technical performance and balance supply and demand. Beside technical
feasibility it also provides an analysis of the project’s financial structures, including the use of EU
funds and the proposed implementation of a municipal green revolving fund. Moreover the research
explores governance strategies and the socio-economic impacts of local job creation while
identifying regulatory barriers in national energy tax frameworks. The conclusion is that a
successful municipal transition depends on the process of innovation and the sustained alignment
of technical solutions with support from local political and social.
Keywords: Renewable Energy, Smart Buildings, Solar Power, EnergyPLAN, Municipal
Management
1. INTRODUCTION
Climate change and the urgent need for economic recovery
are forcing the local governments to change the way they
operate urban infrastructure. Frederikshavn, a coastal
municipality in Northeast Jutland of Denmark act as an
example of this transformation. Frederikshavn Kommune has
approximately 57,882 residents and an annual municipal
budget of nearly 4.9 billion DKK. The primary motivation for
choosing Frederikshavn as a case study stems from its unique
economic history. After the closure of the Danyard Shipyard
and the decline of duty-free ferry trade in the late 1990s, the
region faced an urgent employment crisis (Lim, 2011).
Instead of attempting to rescue the old industries, the local
policymakers decided to rebuild the economy by turning
Frederikshavn into an innovation hub for renewable energy.
In 2007, following a proposal from the Danish Society of
Engineers, Frederikshavn officially set a new goal, which is to
become a fully renewable energy municipality (Østergaard &
Lund, 2011). The city utilizes existing advantages, such as its Figure 1 Map of Frederikshavn
old industrial infrastructure, district heating network as well as
wind research facilities, to test integrated energy systems. For the long-term roadmap, the
renovation of public buildings such as schools and administrative offices plays an important role.
By installing these structures with solar technology on the top of the building and smart energy
management systems, the government not only reduces emissions and operating costs but also
creates a visible model to encourage local people and businesses to join the transition.
1
Local Governance
BMEGT42M106
INTEGRATING SMART EFFICIENCY AND SOLAR
POWER IN FREDERIKSHAVN PUBLIC
BUILDINGS
Student name: Tran Huyen Trang
Student’s code: JCV0KE
Lecturer: PhD. George Horváth
May 20th 2026
, ABSTRACT
The transition into a renewable energy system is a critical priority for municipalities who are
seeking to reduce their carbon footprint and ensure long-term sustainability. This research work on
the integration of solar power and smart energy efficiency technologies within the public buildings
of Frederikshavn, Denmark, one of the pioneers in global energy innovation. It examines the
installation of high-efficiency silicon photovoltaic panels, solar thermal collectors, and intelligent
automation systems, such as motion sensors and smart lighting, across municipal infrastructure.
Utilizing the EnergyPLAN modeling tool, the research simulates hourly energy production and
consumption to optimize technical performance and balance supply and demand. Beside technical
feasibility it also provides an analysis of the project’s financial structures, including the use of EU
funds and the proposed implementation of a municipal green revolving fund. Moreover the research
explores governance strategies and the socio-economic impacts of local job creation while
identifying regulatory barriers in national energy tax frameworks. The conclusion is that a
successful municipal transition depends on the process of innovation and the sustained alignment
of technical solutions with support from local political and social.
Keywords: Renewable Energy, Smart Buildings, Solar Power, EnergyPLAN, Municipal
Management
1. INTRODUCTION
Climate change and the urgent need for economic recovery
are forcing the local governments to change the way they
operate urban infrastructure. Frederikshavn, a coastal
municipality in Northeast Jutland of Denmark act as an
example of this transformation. Frederikshavn Kommune has
approximately 57,882 residents and an annual municipal
budget of nearly 4.9 billion DKK. The primary motivation for
choosing Frederikshavn as a case study stems from its unique
economic history. After the closure of the Danyard Shipyard
and the decline of duty-free ferry trade in the late 1990s, the
region faced an urgent employment crisis (Lim, 2011).
Instead of attempting to rescue the old industries, the local
policymakers decided to rebuild the economy by turning
Frederikshavn into an innovation hub for renewable energy.
In 2007, following a proposal from the Danish Society of
Engineers, Frederikshavn officially set a new goal, which is to
become a fully renewable energy municipality (Østergaard &
Lund, 2011). The city utilizes existing advantages, such as its Figure 1 Map of Frederikshavn
old industrial infrastructure, district heating network as well as
wind research facilities, to test integrated energy systems. For the long-term roadmap, the
renovation of public buildings such as schools and administrative offices plays an important role.
By installing these structures with solar technology on the top of the building and smart energy
management systems, the government not only reduces emissions and operating costs but also
creates a visible model to encourage local people and businesses to join the transition.
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