SOURCE: “Denmark: A Case Study for a Climate-Neutral Europe” by Thibault Menu / IFRI And if so, what is so special about Denmark and what can be learned from its transformation? This paper assesses whether the country is really successful in accelerating even more than its European peers in its decarbonisation process.
GEOGRAPHY GRIDS HOW TO
Given the recent announcements and climate goals set by the Von der Leyen Commission, Denmark serves as an interesting case study for other European and world nations alike on how to embark on their own energy transitions. The country has a record high share of renewable energy sources in power generation, with wind in the lead. From its highly publicised success in offshore wind to its ambitious goal of cutting GHG emissions by 70% by 2030 – which would put Denmark as a European and global frontrunner, with only Finland being more ambitious and planning to be climate neutral already by 2035 – as well as its pioneering green energy policies, the country has transformed itself into a beacon for low carbon technologies and public policies. This transformation is all the more impressive, given that the country used to be a significant oil and gas producer which also relied heavily on coal for power generation. Its greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions since 2010 have been reduced at greater pace than those of the European Union (EU) average. In recent years, Denmark has steadily emerged as a leader and role model in the global green energy transition.
If it keeps to its plan it can become a role model. Menu notes that questions remain over the sustainability of biomass, a major source of heat power, and the country’s current total primary energy supply still relies on 60% fossil fuels. Aside from wind, other successes include combined heat and power (CHP) and district heating. Its power grid is one of the most interconnected in Europe, enabling the export and import – and therefore commercialisation – of excess power. Its geography and high wind speeds give it an advantage committing to wind power. Both policy and its implementation are made simpler thanks to the relatively flat social structure of Danish society and high level of institutional trust.
It backs innovative technologies that are brought to market through generous policy schemes. There is a high level of participation from public and private actors. It has a long tradition of providing stability and predictability in energy policy. Thibault Menu references his report for IFRI that asks what makes Denmark special. Its ambitious goal of cutting GHG emissions by 70% by 2030 makes it a global policy frontrunner, second only to Finland which aims to be climate neutral by 2035. Denmark is proving itself to be a decarbonisation leader, happy to turn its back on its history of oil and gas production and heavy reliance on coal.
0 kommentar(er)
