Danes light the way on green power

DENMARK has won international plaudits for its shift towards a low-carbon economy. Experts say a key feature of the strategy taken by the Danes has been the gradual approach of taking one small step at a time – “evolution not revolution”.

But political will was a key driver in the switch towards renewables, mainly offshore and onshore wind. The government launched a programme of subsidies and loan guarantees in an effort to boost the industry more than 30 years ago.

It followed the oil crisis of 1973 and political leaders were keen to drive for far more diversity and efficiency in the country’s energy supply.

Almost a third of investment costs were covered by government, along with guaranteed loans for large turbine exporters. It also made utilities purchase wind energy at a preferential price, which helped guarantee a customer base.

The country now has more than 5,000 turbines producing more than 3,100MW of electricity.

The upshot has been a boost for the economy, with Danish firm Vestas emerging as the industry’s top manufacturer of wind turbines globally.

Denmark now gets about a fifth of its electricity from onshore and offshore wind energy sources and windmills are dotted across the country. Denmark has a population of about 5.5 million, slightly more than Scotland, and has emerged as a world leader in energy efficiency.

In 2008, the country became the first in Europe to sign up for the innovative electric car model promoted by start-up company Better Place, which plans to construct a network of charging stations throughout Denmark.