Constructing a fixed link across the Fehmarnbelt will consume large amounts of energy. Energy analyses carried out by Femern A/S include not only energy consumption for constructing the bridge or tunnel itself, but also energy consumption for the building of the toll station, for rerouting roads and railways, operating engineering machinery and ships, and transporting building materials and surplus materials.

Change in traffic patterns
When the fixed link is built, the traffic pattern for both freight transport and private traffic will change. Some traffic will in fact move from the Great Belt to the Fehmarnbelt as a result of cuts in travel time between eastern Denmark and Germany.

We are using new traffic forecasts to prepare analyses of what traffic pattern changes will mean for the total of traffic energy consumption. We are also calculating the differences in energy consumption between the current ferry operations and a future fixed link.

Energy for operations
Energy is also needed to run the fixed link. For instance, energy will be used for lighting and

Traffic prognoses make it possible to predict how changes to traffic patterns will affect energy consumption. (photo: Femern A/S)

maintenance and for operating the toll payment facility. This energy consumption will also be included in the energy analysis and will be compared with energy consumption for existing ferry operations.