The Copenhagen department of the Danish Architects' Association gives reasons for choosing the Green Power Island project: "In our everlasting debate about the world's energy consumption, 'Green Power Island' has managed to create and communicate a project in a simple way, optimising the use of environmentally friendly energy and also taking account of an applicable architectural whole. The project receives the award for its quite simple innovative impact and for the important collaboration between engineer and architect."
Jesper Gottlieb, Architect, member of Academic Architects' Association and partner in Gottlieb Paludan Architects says: "Green Power Island reflects the ambition to use the full range of architect competences and to participate actively in creating a green future for the world. The project has been met with sympathy far beyond the borders of our country and has led to new cooperation relations both in Denmark and internationally. This is not least due to the fruitful collaboration with scientists from Risø DTU."
The collaborator at Risø is Allan Schrøder Pedersen, Head of Programme in the Materials Research Division. He has helped calculate how an artificial island for energy storage can be adapted for the energy system.
"They really know how to market a project. Their beautiful designs of the artificial island for energy storage are now known worldwide, and apart from Denmark, Energy Islands have been designed in California, China and the Middle East. I think the idea appeals to people, it is easy to understand because it is not about rocket science, it is just a simple idea that everyone can relate to, "says Allan Schrøder Pedersen.
Together with Gottlieb Paludan Architects, Allan Schrøder Pedersen submitted an EU application last year to raise funds to move forward with the project. A number of economic and technical assessments still have to be carried out. At first the EU application was returned, because the EU wanted more details in several respects, also in terms of ideas of the island being a centre for transport and offshore wind turbine siting.
"So we will continue to work with the architects. They have been good at marketing the idea and several locations in Denmark are now being considered," says Allan Schrøder Pedersen.
The EU application is to provide funding for a three-year project on geological studies and economic and commercial assessments. Afterwards, it would be natural to embark on a pilot facility, so Allan estimates that the total time frame for the project will be 7-8 years.
The 'Lille Arne award' is a clear block of perspex with a picture engraved of Arne Jacobsen. The award has been named after this famous Danish architect.