Agenda
Challenges
The total reserves of [Danish] crude oil and natural gas at the end of 2009 were calculated to be 194 million m3 and 105 billion Nm3 respectively, corresponding to 13 years of crude oil production and 13 years of natural gas production with activity at 2009 levels.
Political
Since 1980, the Danish economy has grown by 78%, while energy consumption has remained more or less constant, and CO2 emissions have been reduced. This development reflects an increase in energy and CO2 efficiency
Global climate change and the limited access to resources, especially with respect to oil, will set the agenda for climate and energy policy in the years to come. Climate change places massive demands for reductions on greenhouse gas emissions, and on our use of coal, oil and natural gas. At the same time, the price of these fuels must be expected to rise, when the remaining resources have to meet increasing demand.
Status
Growth
Since 1980, the Danish economy has grown by 78%, while energy consumption has remained more or less constant, and CO2 emissions have been reduced. This development reflects an increase in energy and CO2 efficiency.
Furthermore, the composition of energy consumption in Denmark has changed significantly as a consequence of energy policy measures to promote the use of renewable energy. Renewable energy today makes up more than 19% of final energy consumption.
Targets
Along with security of supply, energy savings and green growth, expanding the use of renewable energy in Denmark is at the core of the Danish energy policy. As a step towards the long-term goal for a green-growth economy which is independent of fossil fuels, the government is taking pains to deliver the ambitious goal of a share of 20% renewables in gross energy consumption by 2011 and at least 30% in final energy consumption by 2020, as stipulated in the EU climate and energy package. In addition, there is a binding target of 10% renewable energy in the transport sector by 2020. Denmark aims at being 100% independent of non-renewable fuels by 2050.
Institutional Structure
The Ministry of Climate and Energy
The ministry is responsible for national and international efforts to prevent climate change, as well as energy issues, national geological surveys in Denmark and Greenland, and meteorology.
The Danish Ministry of Climate and Energy was established on 23rd November 2007. The ministry was created as a part of the Danish government's increased efforts to promote a greener and more sustainable society. These efforts include a governmental goal that Denmark one day becomes independent of fossil fuels.
Budget
Current
The Government wants to ensure a further significant boost in public-sector-funded research, development and demonstration of energy technology. Until 2009, public sector funding is to be doubled compared to 2006, so that public sector funding for energy purposes will total DKK one billion annually from 2010.
History
A comprehensive energy research and development program started in 1976 with wind energy as only one area of work. This funded efforts to collect fundamental information regarding the planning and construction of large (more than 500 kilowatts (kW)) wind turbines. About 10% of the total Danish energy research budget since 1976 has been devoted to wind.
Key Policies
Recent Legislation
One of this most important pieces of legislation within the area is the agreement between the government (Liberals and Conservatives), Social Democrats, Danish People's Party, Socialist People's Party, Social Liberals and New Alliance on Danish energy policy for the years 2008-2011. The agreement among other things states that the subsidy for new wind turbines shall be raised to 0.25 DKK/kWh for 22,000 peak load hours + 0.023 DKK/kWh in balancing costs + 0.004 DKK/kWh to the green fund. The new subsidies shall be in effect from the entering into force of the agreement. This shall be implemented by an amendment in the spring session.
A pool of 30 million DKK over two years for information campaigns, labelling of efficient pumps, limited subsidy schemes, etc. aimed at heat consumers outside of the areas with collective heat supply. This shall be implemented immediately.
25 million DKK per year for four years shall be allocated to small renewable energy technologies such as solar cells and wave power. CO2 taxes shall be raised from 3-90 DKK/ton to the expected CO2 allowance price, which for 2008-2012 is provisionally estimated at 150 DKK/ton effective from 2008.
Miscellaneous
Further Information
In the period 1990-2009, Denmark has increased its total renewable energy consumption by 92.5 percent. In 2009, Denmark had a total of 5107 wind turbines and with a combined capacity of 3482 MW. Denmark was the only country in the EU that was selfsufficient in energy in 2009. Denmark’s degree of selfsufficiency in energy was 124%.
Transition to Globalisation
Global Wind Industry to Experience Massive Growth by 2030
Wind energy could provide up to 12 percent of the world’s total power demand by 2020 and up to 22 percent by 2030, reveals a joint study by the Global Wind Energy Council and Greenpeace International
Globalisation > Economy > Energy> Sources > Renewable > Wind
Transition to Political Tools
EU to Promote Clean Energy with 'Smart Cities'
The EU's bid for leadership in green technologies will focus on developing a network of "smart cities" to demonstrate renewable and other low-carbon energies in Europe.
Political Tools > Regional > Europe > EU > Dom. Policies > Economy > Energy
Transition to political Actors
WWEA launches Working Group on Community Power
Decentralised investment and participation of local communities is key for utilisation of wind energy on a large scale and for effective climate change mitigation.
Political Actors > Civil society > NGOs > Environment
