Activists from Greenpeace have climbed an oil derrick in Dybvad in northern Jutland. The onshore rig is the location of the country’s first test drilling for shale gas – a process commonly known as fracking.
“Greenpeace activists have crossed the fence of the drilling site in Dybvad,” said Greenpeace. “Four of them then climbed to the top of the derrick, which is just about ready to drill.”
Greenpeace said the activists are “trained climbers”. Local police said that some of the protesters have chained themselves to the rig.
“The activists plan to stay,” said Greenpeace. “This peaceful protest joins the many local demonstrations and blockades that have put Dybvad and shale gas policy in Denmark under scrutiny.”.
Local protests
Many local residents have protested against Frederikshavn Municipality’s decision to allow the drilling.
READ MORE: Activists: Civil disobedience the only way to stop shale gas
In 2010, the former Venstre-led government gave the French oil company Total and Nordsøfonden, the government’s oil exploration arm, permission to drill for and produce shale gas in 40 Danish municipalities.
Kirsten Brosbøl, the environment minister, has since decided that any exploration of shale gas by fracking should no longer be decided by municipalities, but by her ministry.
