energy production by including oil and gas recovery in the
North Sea and development of a nationwide grid for natural
gas.
A real commercialisation of renewable energy sources
like solar and wind power, which has contributed to the
largest share of today’s renewable energy capacity, did
not start until after the oil crisis in the 1970’s. Energy
plans, developed throughout the 80’s and 90’s, started to
emphasise investments in wind power, as a key alternative
to coal. The new political and commercial support brought
about by the energy plans accelerated the establishment
of a solid home market for new and renewable energy
technologies with an associated local industry. By the end
of the century, Denmark had already become a net exporter
of energy. The following years were characterised by rising
oil prices and an increased awareness of climate change,
further accelerating the development through new energy
policy guidelines and higher general ambitions regarding
the role of renewable energy in Denmark.
Denmark is not resting on its laurels
Despite the before-mentioned turnaround in the Danish
energy system from a fossil-based to an increasingly
renewable energy-based system, Denmark is becoming
ever more ambitious. On top of the agenda, Denmark faces
major tasks ahead in order to reach its ambitious goals,
some of which include:
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•
•
At least 50% Denmark’s total energy needs to be covered
by renewable energy by 2030
A complete phase out of coal in the power supply by
2030
Achieving independence from fossil fuels by 2050
On top of this, Denmark has consistently committed itself
to various energy objectives set by the European Union. In
this regard, Denmark has already met the goals for 2020,
and is on its way to meet the 2020 targets for reduction
of greenhouse gas emission. Though ambitious targets,
Denmark is also committed to meeting them in a way that
does not compromise job creations, competitiveness or the
security of its energy supply.
There is a broad consensus in the Danish political landscape
that meeting such targets requires further change of course.
The Energy Agreement of June 2018 was signed by the
government with support of all parties in the parliament.
The agreement contributes to the energy and climate goals
leading up to 2030 and beyond, and key elements of the
agreement include commitments to construct three new
offshore winds farms and provide funds for onshore wind
and solar energy.
Danish lessons learnt and technologies on the global
agenda
The Danish example of a green transition has served as
global inspiration and is being replicated around the world.
On a commercial level, this creates new export opportunities
for Danish businesses within sectors where they can make
a positive impact on society. Denmark is currently Europe’s
leading energy technology and service exporter measured
by the sector’s share of total exports. These “green exports”
accounted for DKK 85 billion in 2017 and a share of 11.1%
of Denmark’s total exports. Within the subsectors of energy
technology and services, Danish companies possess world-
leading positions, and especially within wind, water and
resource efficiency, they are among the greatest suppliers
of modern technologies and solutions that are necessary for
a green transition to take place in the energy system. Wind
power is a great example of a Danish stronghold. Seven of
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