Denmark's green gateway to Europe: where renewable energy fuels strategic business growth
Aabenraa’s Kassø Area becomes national industrial park
Empowering green growth and fast-track investments
Kassø in Aabenraa has been designated as one of Denmark’s 11 national industrial parks, strengthening regional competitiveness, attracting green investments, and paving the way for future sustainable industry. The 11 industrial parks are established under the political agreement Rød løber for produktionsvirksomheder (Red Carpet for Production Companies), ensuring faster permitting and optimal conditions for green industrial growth. Approved by Ministery of Industry, Business and Financial Affairs, the designation positions Aabenraa as a key location for Denmark’s future innovation and sustainable production.
Strategic location to Europe and the Nordics
Logistics hub on the border to Germany, deep-sea port and multimodal infrastructure
Aabenraa is not just another location for business – it's a future-proof investment hub, leading the transition to a sustainable economy. Strategically positioned on the border of Denmark and Germany, it offers unparalleled access to the European market via road, rail, and sea, with a deep-sea port and one of Northern Europe’s largest logistics hubs.
Green energy and circular resources
Abundant renewable power, circular water resources, Power-to-X and industrial heat utilisation
With Denmark’s largest solar park and the world’s largest Power-to-X facility, Aabenraa offers exceptional opportunities for investors in energy, sustainable food production and circular construction materials. The municipality’s advanced infrastructure, access to circular water systems, and industrial symbiosis provide reliable renewable resources and a strong platform for climate-neutral growth.
Fast-track approvals and business support
Streamlined permitting, stakeholder introductions, recruitment support and more
Aabenraa offers investors a supportive business environment with fast-track permitting processes, tailored incentives for sustainable industries, and proactive municipal support to foster innovation and economic growth. Companies benefit from introductions to key stakeholders, recruitment assistance, and access to a collaborative network of businesses working within green energy, sustainable food production and circular materials. By leveraging Aabenraa’s strategic advantages, investors can accelerate projects in green fuels, industrial symbiosis and climate-friendly production.
6 reasons to invest in Aabenraa
1. Strategic location – direct access to European and Nordic markets via the Danish–German border
2. Competitive infrastructure – deep-sea port, E45 motorway and EU rail corridors for efficient trad
3. Business-forward authorities – proactive support and end-to-end services for investors
4. Green energy hub – renewable power, Power-to-X fuels and industrial heat utilisation for production
5. Circular water systems – reuse of resources and industrial sidestreams for sustainable growth
6. Sector synergies and skilled talent – collaboration across energy, food and materials industries
TRANSPORT & LOGISTICS
Cross-border logistics hub in Denmark’s leading green energy region
Padborg Transport Centre is Denmark’s leading cross-border logistics hub, offering scalable, cost-efficient and increasingly sustainable transport solutions. Strategically positioned at the Danish–German border, it provides direct connections to the E45 motorway, EU rail corridors and Aabenraa’s deep-sea port, ensuring seamless access to European markets.
> Strategic location: direct access to E45, EU rail and deep-sea port
> Fast customs: streamlined procedures for greater efficiency
> Modern infrastructure: warehousing, cold storage and value-added logistics services
> Green logistics: electric truck charging and a coming hydrogen refuelling station
> Combi-terminal: easy access to long-distance, sustainable rail freight
Deep sea port, E45 and EU railway
Aabenraa has a strong infrastructure for fast, flexible, and sustainable logistics. Seamless multimodal transport for efficient trade across Europe.
> TEN-T ScanMed corridor: key EU north–south transport route
> Combi-terminal Padborg: road–rail logistics hub for cost-efficient freight
> Deep-sea port: direct global shipping access via the Port of Aabenraa
> E45 motorway: fast connections to Scandinavia and mainland Europe
> Jutland corridor: the fastest route from continental Europe to Norway
GREEN ENERGY & WATER
Renewable power, Power-to-X and industrial heat utilisation
Aabenraa is a key location in Denmark’s leading green energy region, combining vast renewable power capacity with advanced infrastructure to support large-scale Power-to-X projects. Dynamic permitting processes pave the way for large-scale energy projects making the municipality a central hub for green fuels and climate-neutral innovation.
> Abundant renewable energy: Denmark’s largest solar capacity powers PtX production
> Growing PtX hub: home to the world’s largest PtX facility in Kassø
> Green fuels: hydrogen for land transport and e-methanol for shipping
> Sector coupling: utilising surplus heat for industry and district heating
Circular water and sidestreams
Aabenraa is leading the way in using treated wastewater to produce technical water for Power-to-X facilities, ensuring a sustainable water supply for Pwer-to-X. This approach supports industrial symbiosis by providing ultra-clean water for electrolysis while enabling resource sharing across manufacturing, construction and green energy sectors.
> Sustainable PtX: providing ultra-clean water for electrolysis without depleting water reserves
> Industrial synergy: supporting manufactoring, construction and energy sectors
> Maximising sidestreams: efficient wastewater reuse reduces environmental impact
> Future-proof infrastructure: scalable systems ready for growing industrial demand
(Image: European Energy)
INVESTMENT SUPPORT
Fast-track facilitation for green energy and sustainable industries
Aabenraa is a committed partner in progress, ensuring swift, seamless and efficient project realisation. The municipality sets the benchmark for rapid approvals, having greenlit Denmark’s first Power-to-X facility in just 17 months. This proactive approach accelerates investment in green fuels, sustainable production hubs and industrial symbiosis
>Proactive permitting: parallel processing of approvals ensures fast project execution
> Coordinated support: the municipality acts as a central facilitator, aligning all stakeholders
> Policy-backed efficiency: strong political commitment and resources allocation drive progress
> Adaptive processes: willingsness to adapt to challenges along the way
End-to-end business services
Aabenraa offers investors full-spectrum support to ensure a smooth and efficient establishment process in one of Denmark’s leading green energy regions. From first contact to full-scale operations, the municipality acts as a committed partner for companies in green energy, sustainable food production and circular materials manufacturing.
> Location screening: identifying the best site with infrastructure-ready access
> Stakeholder matching: connecting investors with key industry and regulatory partners
> Business legal guidance: expert navigation of permits and compliance
> Recruitment support: access to skilled professionals and workforce assistance
> Spouse job match: helping families integrate and settle successfully
INVEST IN AABENRAA
INVEST IN A GREEN FUTURE
We support you from first interest to final establishment and further growth:
A business forward local authority and connected business environment fostering green growth
With long-term investments in renewable energy, infrastructure and business innovation the municipality ensures a stable, growth-oriented environment for investors. The municipality offers hands-on support from initial enquiry through to full-scale operations and further expansion, making it a reliable partner in the green transition.
Four synergetic sectors with high growth potential:
Energy
Aabenraa provides vast renewable energy from solar and wind, large-scale Power-to-X production, and a growing green hydrogen hub. Surplus heat from Power-to-X supports industries and district heating, creating industrial symbiosis and cross-sector value chains. Aabenraa is a prime location for both energy developers and offtakers.
Construction
Aabenraa’s construction sector is expanding alongside PtX growth, supporting production sites from development to ongoing maintenance. With skilled blacksmiths, electricians, and builders, the industry plays a key role in sustaining the region’s leading green energy transition.
Food
Aabenraa’s agricultural sector is becoming a sustainable food innovation hub, driven by Denmark’s three-partite agreement. Supported by Novo, EIFO and a strong municipal strategy, the region fosters food innovation powered by renewable energy and surplus heat from sector integration.
Transport
As a cross-border logistics hub, Aabenraa combines a deep-sea port with Padborg’s combi terminal, ensuring efficient export routes. This strong infrastructure supports the energy, construction and production sectors, making it an ideal for businesses seeking seamless market access.