Wednesday 28 March 2012

Danish pledge to generate 50% electricity from wind

Denmark aims to generate half of its electricity from wind power by 2050. Last week the Danish Parliament voted in an agreement by a massive majority to deliver a renewable future (171 seats out of 179 in the parliament).

The Minister for Climate, Energy and Building Martin Lidegaard welcomed last Friday’s decision as a “great day for energy policy in Denmark” as the government parties, Denmark's Liberal Party, the Danish People's Party, the Danish Red-Green Alliance, and the Conservative Party all agreed the future roadmap.

The agreement aims to reduce CO2 emissions in 2020 by 34% on their 1990 levels. Energy consumption will decrease by more than 12% in 2020 compared to 2006. In addition, a total of more than 35% of Denmark’s energy will be generated from renewable energy sources and 50% of its electricity consumption will be stem from wind power.

Mr Lidegaard said: "It is the broadest, the greenest, and the most long-term energy agreement that has ever been reached in Denmark. Therefore, this is a historic day for Danish energy policy. In our everyday political work, the parties are different shades of red and blue. However, today- together- we have laid down the foundation for a green future."

As part of the agreement two new offshore wind farms will be built.

The Minister said the move would put the Danes in a good business position: "Denmark will once again be the global leader in the transition to green energy. This will prepare us for a future with increasing prices for oil and coal. Moreover, it will create some of the jobs that we need so desperately, now and in the coming years.”