The Energy Collective: Denmark commits to 100% renewable energy by 2050

Denmark is known for being a world leader in wind electricity. But there's so much more to the country's renewable energy sector that deserves attention.

A recent package of targets passed by the Danish parliament illustrates why diversity is key to a strong clean energy policy.

Lawmakers in Denmark agreed upon a new set promotion programmes for efficiency and renewable energy that will put the country on a path to getting 100 percent of electricity, heat and fuels from renewable resources by 2050.


With 50 percent wind penetration target, Denmark is still putting a lot of stock in the wind. But the recent package is notable for its comprehensive approach to combined heat and power, biogas, geothermal heat pumps, and biofuels - with strong national financing mechanisms to tie all of these sectors together.

With a target for reducing final energy consumption 7 percent in 2020 compared with 2010 levels, Denmark is putting conservation and efficiency at the top of its priority list. Here are some of the initiatives agreed upon:

• Energy companies must realise specific energy savings exceeding today's requirements, e.g. by consulting energy experts and by offering subsidies to e.g. households and businesses.
• Energy companies must increase efforts by 75% from 2013 to 2014, and by 100% from 2015 to 2020 compared to 2010-2012.

The focus on industrial heating and cooling is also a major part of the plan. The plan includes:

• Converting from coal to biomass at large-scale power plants will be made more attractive by amending the Heat Supply Act.
• DKK 35 million will be committed to promoting new renewable technologies, e.g. geothermal energy and large heat pumps.
• Banning installation of new oil-fired boilers in existing buildings in areas where district heating or natural gas is available from 2016.
• Committing DKK 42 million in 2012-2015 to fund the conversion from oil-fired boilers and natural gas boilers in existing buildings to renewable energy.

Incentives for biogas expansion, a national framework for a smart grid, and renewed commitment to R&D for innovative energy technologies are part of the targets as well. This is about as 'comprehensive' as a comprehensive clean energy plan gets.

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