Powering our future with sustainable energy

The continuous rise in CO2 emissions over the last 30 years and growing global demand for stable electricity, heating, cooling, and transportation represent a major challenge worldwide. A growing population and expanding middle class set the global energy scene in flux. The million-dollar question therefore becomes: how do we ensure access to clean and affordable energy for all and halt climate change, without stalling economic progress? The answer needs a global response, which is why the United Nations has chosen energy as the focus of the Sustainable Development Goal number 7 (SDG 7), aiming to ensure affordable and clean energy for all.

Still, different countries face different kinds of energy challenges, which is why each country must find their own unique energy model to transition to a low-carbon economy. Some economies need to strengthen their domestic grid infrastructure to secure a stable supply of electricity, whereas others need to take action to reduce the country’s overall energy consumption. Some already base their energy consumption on energy generated by renewables, while others are well underway with the digitalisation of their energy system, rolling out sensors and smart meters, using data to create more intelligent and flexible energy systems. Transitioning to a low-carbon society marks a paradigm shift in the energy sphere.

In order to reach SDG 7 and decarbonize the global energy system solutions like clean energy sources, green heating and energy efficiency measures must be implemented. The decarbonisation and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. The most prosperous societies of the future will also be the ones that are the most sustainable.

Our featured content

More about sustainable energy

A Fossil-independent society by 2050

Over the past 40 years, Denmark’s energy system has undergone a profound transformation. Hit hard by the oil crises of the 1970s, we became uncomfortably aware of our 99 per cent dependency on oil imports. While the initial changes focused on replacing oil consumption with coal, Denmark soon realised that this was unsustainable and shifted its efforts towards integrating the use of domestic renewable sources into the power grid, making sure that the entire system became more energy efficient and stable. The long-term goal for Denmark is to become 100 per cent independent of fossil fuels by 2050, meaning that energy demand across the board – electricity, heating and cooling, and transportation – is to be met through renewable energy generation. Today, renewable energy covers more than 30 per cent of our energy needs, with wind and bioenergy being the largest clean energy contributors. With virtually zero hydropower resources available in the country, Denmark is yet to find the optimal energy mix to achieve a fossil-independent society by 2050. The challenge remains, and we have a lot to learn and explore. One thing is certain: We will not be able to reach the goal alone. Collaborating with global partners is vital.

Decarbonisation and economic growth – not mutually exclusive

Long-term, proactive energy policies that focus on cost-efficient solutions enable significant economic growth. Since the 1980s, the Danish GDP has increased by over 100 percent without increasing domestic energy consumption. In the same period adjusted carbon emissions have dropped. It shows that decarbonisation and economic growth are not mutually exclusive. We even predict them to be interdependent in the future. Despite the fact that global government support for traditional fuels across the world still by far exceeds that for renewables, electricity harnessed from renewable energy sources such as wind and solar is one of the cheapest options on the market. In Denmark, onshore wind power is currently the cheapest energy source.

Energy efficiency as a key driver

Buildings account for 40 per cent of global energy consumption and in energy-intensive industries, energy consumption accounts for up to 40 per cent of total production costs. Ensuring successful energy efficiency deployment in buildings and industrial processes will allow us to meet society’s demand for various energy services more efficiently and effectively. Working with energy efficiency measures since the 70s, energy efficiency has become an embedded part of the Danes’ mindsets. Both companies and citizens have been incentivised to reduce energy consumption through a combination of regulatory and economic initiatives, such as improved energy standards for buildings, energy labelling schemes for electrical appliances, taxes and subsidies, public campaigns and energy saving agreements with industry. In addition, Denmark’s district heating system is highly energy-efficient and has been one of the key drivers for reduced energy consumption and CO2 emissions from the energy sector. It utilises surplus heat from electricity production to heat water, piped into and distributed through the district heating system to provide heat to local areas.

Energy independence or interdependence?

Should a country strive for energy independence or interdependence in order to ensure access to clean and affordable energy? There is no simple answer to this question and geography obviously plays a role in how viable either is for the individual country. The 70s oil crisis led Denmark to pursue energy independence of other countries. However, having advanced in the energy transition, it has become evident for us and our neighbouring countries, that energy security is achieved via the help of energy import from each other. Significant elements of the Danish energy system have been developed in close public and private cooperation with other countries, institutions and corporations. Through the NordPool power exchange, Nordic countries buy and sell electricity to balance their fluctuating electricity production. This ensures energy access, increases security of supply and enables the integration of high shares of variable renewable energy in the energy system, thus providing a reliable supply.

Integrating renewables successfully via holistic and flexible energy systems

Production of clean energy depends partially on the climatic context and natural resources available to a country. Similar to countries such as Portugal, Germany and USA, Denmark possesses an abundance of wind, which is why the production of renewable electricity is based primarily on this source. In fact, wind turbines supplied 46 per cent of Denmark’s electricity consumption in 2019. Further increasing the amount of renewable energy in an energy system requires a strong transmission grid that copes with fluctuations from e.g. sun and wind energy. Integrating sectors and systems becomes crucial in establishing a holistic, flexible energy system across electricity, heating and cooling, gas and transportation. Doing so enables balancing the use of renewables in a financially viable way, by tapping into the combined strength of these systems. Denmark’s integrated system is fully reliable, with the highest level of security of supply in Europe. However, making a holistic, integrated energy system is an ongoing process, and we are continuously working towards increased integration via research and demonstration projects. Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants play a significant role in the integration of renewables into the Danish energy system. Not only do the plants supply the country with a substantial share of its electricity by virtue of their design, which allows them to store heat and vary the proportion of heat and electricity produced, they can also alter their electricity output in response to changes in wind output, and thus help balance the grid. The Danish Transmission System Operator (TSO) Energinet uses advanced wind forecasting in the operations of power system control and dispatch. Looking ahead, energy consumers will become energy producers and thereby help balance the energy system, both by shifting their electricity consumption during peak periods in response to time-based rates, but also by feeding locally produced electricity into the grid.

Energy storage: a hard nut to crack

Increased renewable generation requires the ability to store electricity generated by wind, solar and other renewables for later use. Power-2-X solutions are therefore in high demand both in Denmark and globally. To date, no battery solutions can store these immense amounts of electricity. Instead, an integrated energy system, as well as increased electrification, can serve as storage capacity and thereby help balance the energy system. A concrete example is the use of heating storage in the district heating system and increased use of electricity for heating, accompanied by increased deployment of heat pumps and electric boilers. Also, power to gas (P2G) and electrification of transportation through e.g. electric vehicles will balance the system. The Danish gas grid has significant capacity to store natural gas and down the track, it will also be possible to do the same with green gasses such as biogas or hydrogen, which can be subsequently be converted to power or heat according to demand.

Connect. Inspire. Share. Think Denmark

Denmark aims to stimulate and inspire low-carbon, economic growth globally. We believe everyone has the right to prosper and develop, and we believe the most prosperous societies of the future will be the most sustainable. At State of Green, a not-for-profit, public-private partnership, we foster relations with international stakeholders interested in discussing their challenges and bring into play relevant Danish competencies and technologies that enable your green transition. We welcome partners from all continents to meet like-minded Danish energy stakeholders and discuss your challenges as well as potentials.

Looking for our logo?

Visit toolbox