A new era for partnerships and infrastructure investments in Denmark

Co-ownership in focus for parliamentary seminar on Helsingborg-Helsingør connection

As Denmark accelerates its efforts in the energy transition and to build resilience, the country finds itself at a pivotal moment. The Danish government’s proactive stance in infrastructure investments create opportunities for investors, policymakers, and the broader public sector according to Silas Harbo, Country Manager Denmark.

Silas Harbo, Country Manager for Denmark

A momentum for public private partnerships and co-ownership
Cooperation between private and public actors have long been part of Denmarks’ infrastructure toolkit. Traditionally, the scope of collaborations has been limited. Now, times are changing with a public conversation also including co-ownership and innovative collaboration models with great synergies with accelerating the ongoing transition.

• We are seeing a strong momentum with broad, long-term and genuine partnerships emerging, particularly within the security and defence sector. The new security landscape has prompted the Danish government and its agencies to expand their capabilities swiftly and recognise that cross-sector collaboration is the way forward. This shift is not just about financing, it is about getting things done (execution?).

Denmark has an ambitious agenda for infrastructure investments. Four years ago, Denmark presented a record-setting DKK 160 billion investment package in its Infrastructure Plan 2035. While remaining an ambitious framework, the context has changed dramatically since its introduction in Silas’ view.

• The plan was a landmark strategic document that pointed Denmark in the right direction towards an infrastructure system fit for purpose. However, it was made before the invasion of Ukraine and in a different security setting. Now, we need to revisit it with a focus on creating a resilient infrastructure system. Including an opportunity for public private partnerships in the plan could strengthen Denmark’s ability to adapt to new security and climate realities.

Policy priorities ahead of the 2026 Danish election
As Denmark approaches its next general election, Silas anticipates that balancing competing priorities such as geopolitics, security, green transition, digitalization, and demographic change will define the policy agenda.

• Difficult priorities lie ahead, but co-ownership and collaboration could be part of the solution. It allows public and private sectors to share risks, resources, and responsibility in building the future we need.

Private capital as a driver for climate neutrality and resilience
Denmark’s goal of achieving climate neutrality by 2045 will require massive investments across multiple sectors, from carbon capture and data centers topublic transportation and waste management. Silas emphasizes the need for collaboration between public and private players. Especially in capital intensive sectors such as carbon capture and storage (CCS), having experienced private investors at the table brings valuable expertise and know-how.

• We are on a journey where the public sector must tackle risks it has not dealt with in recent decades to achieve its goals. Private investors can help shoulder that risk and ensure projects are financially and operationally sound. We cannot afford setbacks in the green transition. Combining the public sector perspective with proper long-term private investors ensures efficiency and professionalism which are detrimental for success, says Silas.

A moment of opportunity for investors
Despite global uncertainty, Denmark continues to stand out for its stability, strong public finances, and pragmatic governance. These fundamentals, combined with a growing openness to new forms of collaboration, make it an attractive environment for infrastructure investments.

• At this point, what is important is that all forces come together. The challenges are great, but so are the opportunities. This is the right moment for long-term investors to be part of Denmark’s next chapter.

Want to know more about the Nordic and Danish investment opportunities or how we work in long-term partnership with public sector across the Nordics? Reach out to Silas at silas.harbo@infranode.dk.