Ameer Randolph
Denmark has been a leader in decarbonization and has committed to ending fossil fuel production by 2050. The country has seen significant changes in its energy sector over the past decade, with a decrease in total energy supply and a shift away from fossil fuels. Denmark's passion for clean energy is evident in its wind production per capita, which exceeds that of any other OECD country, and its use of bioenergy, which plays an important role in the country's energy system. While Denmark has made impressive strides towards a fossil-free future, it still has work to do, with fossil fuels contributing 53% of the energy mix in 2022. The country has ambitious plans for the future, including fossil-fuel-free inland flights by 2030 and a net-zero target by 2045.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Current status of being free of fossil fuel | Denmark is not free of fossil fuels yet. |
| Fossil fuel consumption | 68% of total energy consumption is from fossil fuels. |
| Electrified energy consumption | 13% |
| Renewable energy consumption | 13% |
| Plans to be fossil fuel-free | Yes, by 2050. |
| Fossil fuel-free inland flights | Yes, by 2030. |
| Carbon-neutral cities | Copenhagen by 2025, Aarhus by 2030 |
| Energy from wind power | 57% of electricity generated in 2019 |
| Energy from biomass | 20% of electricity produced in 2019 |
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What You'll Learn
Denmark's fossil fuel consumption
Denmark has been an early leader in decarbonization and has set ambitious targets for reducing its fossil fuel consumption. In 2022, the Danish government announced a net-zero emissions target by 2045, with a 110% emissions reduction goal by 2050.
Denmark's energy sector has undergone significant changes over the past decade, with a decrease in total energy supply and a notable shift away from fossil fuels. In 2011, fossil fuels accounted for 75% of the energy mix, but by 2022, this had dropped to 53%, well below the International Energy Agency (IEA) average of 79%. This reduction is largely due to the expanded use of wind power, biogas, and biomass.
Wind energy has played a crucial role in Denmark's transition away from fossil fuels. Denmark is a leader in wind energy production, and wind power provided 57% of the country's electricity in 2019. The country has also increased its use of bioenergy, with biomass and biodegradable waste contributing to the decline in fossil fuel consumption in district heating. In 2019, 20% of Denmark's electricity was produced from biomass, surpassing coal and natural gas combined.
Despite these impressive strides, Denmark still faces challenges in becoming completely fossil fuel-free. The country has considerable sources of oil and natural gas in the North Sea and is a net exporter of crude oil. While production of electricity from coal has decreased significantly, with less than 11% of electricity supplied by coal in 2019, it is not scheduled to end until 2028. Additionally, the share of oil in the total energy supply has consistently remained at 36%.
Overall, Denmark has made substantial progress in reducing its fossil fuel consumption and is committed to ending fossil fuel production by 2050. The country continues to prioritize renewable energy sources and energy efficiency, with a focus on wind power, bioenergy, and intelligent battery systems.
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Renewable energy sources
Denmark has a long tradition of developing and using renewable energy sources. In 2017, renewable sources generated 71.4% of Denmark's total electricity, with wind energy contributing 46.8% and biomass contributing 11.2%. In 2022, renewable sources collectively produced 81% of Denmark's electricity generation. Denmark is expected to be fully independent of fossil fuels by 2050, with 100% of national electric power production coming from renewable sources.
The most widely used renewable energy source in Denmark is bioenergy, which is energy stored in organic material or biomass. Agriculture in Denmark indirectly helps provide energy, with manure, animal fats, and straw used as the basis for biogas and liquid biofuels. Many Danish power plants are switching from fossil fuels to biomass (wood pellets, wood chips, or straw). Nearly two-thirds of Danish households are supplied with district heating (heat networks), where heat is distributed as hot water through pipes. About half of the fuel for district heating in Denmark is made up of biomass and other renewable energy sources.
Denmark is a leader in wind energy production per capita, with wind supplying 50% of the country's electricity, along with solar power. Denmark inaugurated Scandinavia's biggest wind farm, "Kriegers Flak," in 2021, with a total capacity to cover the electricity consumption of approximately 600,000 Danish households. The use of smaller and decentralised Combined Heat and Power (CHP) plants has also contributed to the displacement of fossil fuels, as they use fuels far more efficiently than older centralised power plants.
Denmark has three geothermal energy facilities in operation, and geothermal heat is used for district heating. Solar power is another renewable energy source in Denmark, with solar panels used for heating buildings and producing hot water, and solar cells used to produce electricity.
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Green Council's new plan
Denmark has been a pioneer in the transition to clean and renewable energy sources. The country has set ambitious goals for reducing its dependence on fossil fuels and has made significant progress towards these targets.
However, a recent report by the Green Council, titled 'Clean energy – within planetary limits in 2040', highlights that Denmark's society is still largely dependent on fossil fuels. According to the report, if international transport is included, 68% of Denmark's total energy consumption is from fossil fuels. The report also addresses often-overlooked challenges in Danish climate policy, such as the burning of solid wood biomass and emissions from international aviation and shipping.
The Green Council's new plan emphasizes the urgency of transitioning to a fossil-free energy system to mitigate climate damage, reduce air pollution, and adhere to planetary boundaries. The plan aims to achieve this transition by 2040, a more ambitious timeline than the government's previously stated goal of 2050.
To achieve this accelerated transition, the Green Council proposes bringing together various stakeholders, including companies, municipalities, NGOs, researchers, and other key actors. By fostering collaboration and leveraging expertise, Denmark can develop a comprehensive strategy to overcome its challenges and achieve its goal of a CO2-neutral society.
The plan underscores the importance of political action and calls for a green infrastructure masterplan, including major regional projects. It also emphasizes the need to free Denmark from its dependence on Russia and other oil and gas-producing states. By transitioning to clean and renewable energy sources, Denmark can enhance its energy security and competitiveness in the global market.
The Green Council's new plan provides a roadmap for Denmark to become a leader in the fight against climate change, with cleaner air, greener cities, reduced noise pollution, and a more sustainable future for its citizens.
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Fossil fuel extraction
Fossil fuels are non-renewable sources of energy formed from the organic matter of plants and microorganisms that lived and died millions of years ago. The most common fossil fuels are coal, oil (petroleum), and natural gas. Fossil fuels are buried underground, so techniques such as surface mining, underground mining, vertical drilling, horizontal drilling, and hydraulic fracturing are used to extract them.
Oil and natural gas are found together, with natural gas, being lighter, on top of the oil. To extract them, the trap is pierced, and the pressure forces them out of the well. Water or gas is then injected to force more fossil fuels out. Enhanced oil recovery involves applying heat or injecting carbon dioxide or other gases to make extraction easier. Tar sands or oil sands are unconventional sources of oil that are highly viscous and require heat to make them liquid enough to process. Oil shale is another source of fossil fuels that requires mining and heating for extraction, which is expensive and often harmful to the environment.
Denmark is working towards a fossil fuel-free future and has made significant progress in reducing its reliance on fossil fuels. In 2019, coal supplied less than 11% of electricity, and production is scheduled to end in 2028. Denmark has also increased its use of wind power, biogas, and biomass, with wind providing 57% of the country's electricity in 2019. The country aims to be fully independent of fossil fuels by 2050, with intermediate targets such as Copenhagen's goal to be carbon-neutral by 2025.
Denmark's transition away from fossil fuels is driven by the recognition that fossil energy damages the climate and pollutes the air. Additionally, the country seeks to reduce its dependence on Russia and other oil and gas-producing states. While Denmark's modern society is largely based on fossil fuels, the Green Transition Council has presented a plan for a future free of fossil fuels, aiming for cleaner air, greener cities, and reduced pollution.
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Green infrastructure
Denmark has been taking significant steps towards transitioning to clean energy and reducing its dependence on fossil fuels. While the country is not entirely free of fossil fuels yet, it has set ambitious targets and is well-known for its leadership and innovation in the clean energy economy.
Denmark has a long tradition of developing and using renewable energy sources, and its electricity derived from renewable energy has reached 67% of its electricity supply. The country has also drastically decreased its production of electricity from coal, with coal supplying less than 11% of electricity in 2019, and production scheduled to end by 2028.
Denmark has set a target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030 and achieve climate neutrality by 2050 through the passage of the Climate Act. To achieve these goals, Denmark has released a Green Roadmap with 24 initiatives, including a CO2 capture strategy and plans for the transport sector.
One of the key drivers of Denmark's green infrastructure development is the safeguarding of groundwater quality. The Aarhus Municipal Plan, for example, includes the restoration of the Aarhus River, and the government's work foundation document outlines two nature restoration projects: Søborg Lake and Ekkodalen. These projects aim to support biodiversity, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and promote public recreation.
Denmark has also established the independent Nature Fund, a public-private partnership with the goal of improving terrestrial and marine environmental quality. The fund supports projects that expand and improve natural areas, including green infrastructure initiatives such as afforestation and wetlands.
The country's Spatial Planning Act includes an obligation for municipalities to designate and formulate guidelines for the administration of valuable nature areas and ecological corridors, further contributing to the development of green infrastructure.
Wind Power and Bioenergy
Denmark is a leader in wind energy, with wind production per capita exceeding that of any other OECD country. The expansion of offshore wind infrastructure has significantly contributed to the increase in wind energy capacity over the years. The country also has a strong focus on bioenergy, which accounts for more than two-thirds of its renewable energy. Biomass, in particular, has played a crucial role in phasing out fossil fuels, providing 20% of electricity production in 2019.
Challenges and Future Goals
Despite its impressive progress, Denmark still faces challenges in its transition away from fossil fuels. The country's fossil consumption has increased by 63% since 1968, and its international transport and shipping sectors contribute significantly to emissions. Additionally, modern food production, transport, and building sites remain dependent on fossil fuels.
Denmark aims to address these challenges and has set a goal of becoming completely free of fossil fuels by 2040 or 2050. The country plans to increase its offshore wind capacity almost eightfold and further develop its bioenergy and solar PV sectors.
In conclusion, Denmark has made remarkable strides towards developing green infrastructure and transitioning to clean energy. While challenges remain, the country's ambitious targets and ongoing initiatives demonstrate its commitment to creating a sustainable and resilient energy system.
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Frequently asked questions
No, Denmark is not free of fossil fuels.
Denmark's reliance on fossil fuels fell from 75% of the energy mix in 2011 to 53% in 2022, well below the International Energy Agency (IEA) average of 79%.
Denmark's energy sector has seen significant changes over the past decade, with a decrease in total energy supply and a shift towards more sustainable energy sources. In 2022, renewable sources contributed to 47% of Denmark's total electricity consumption.
Denmark has set ambitious goals for reducing fossil fuel use and transitioning to renewable energy sources. The country aims to be fully independent of fossil fuels in its energy system by 2050, with intermediate targets such as carbon-neutrality for Copenhagen by 2025 and fossil-fuel-free domestic flights by 2030.
Denmark plans to achieve its goals through a combination of strategies, including increased use of wind power, adoption of biogas and biomass, intelligent battery systems, and plug-in vehicles. The country is also focusing on decarbonization technologies such as carbon capture and storage (CCUS) and hydrogen.
