Bright employment and economic future for Denmark, as it moves to 100% renewable energy

Denmark Passes Legislation: 100% Renewable Energy by 2050!, SustainableBusiness.com News , 30 March 12,  Denmark’s Parliament has passed the most ambitious green economy plan in the world: it will generate 35% of its energy from renewable energy by 2020 and 100% by 2050.

Martin Lidegaard, Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Building says, “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.”

First, cut greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions 34% below 1990 levels by
2020 and reduce energy consumption 12% below 2006 levels.

Second, supply 35% of energy from renewables, with wind providing 50%
of that. The rest will come from renewable heat, smart grid, biogas,
and other green technologies…..
Details of the Plan

The plan outlines goals and funding strategies for every sector of
society including industry and transporation.

To achieve 50% wind energy, the program calls for 1500 megawatts (MW)
of offshore wind and 1800 MW of onshore wind by 2020, to provide for
replacement of older turbines.

incentives for large-scale power plants to convert from coal to
biomass and commits funds to promote geothermal energy;
allocates funds to help existing buildings convert from oil boilers to
renewables.

bans oil and natural gas boilers in new buildings in 2013 and in
existing buildings in 2016, where district heating is available.
subsidizes energy efficiency investments in industry and the use of
renewable energy in production processes.
development of a comprehensive smart grid strategy so that renewables
can power the grid.
ambitious plan to expand biogas in industrial processes, the natural
gas grid and transportation.
development of a strategy to promote energy efficient vehicles,
subsidies for electric car charging stations, hydrogen infrastructure
and natural gas infrastructure for heavy transport. Fuels must contain
10% biofuels by 2020.
“In the long term,” the plan says, “the transport sector will face a
radical conversion from fossil fuels to electricity and biofuels.”
continued investments in research, development and demonstration in
energy technologies.
includes financing mechanisms including tariffs on energy distribution
to fund efficiency improvements, a supply tax on space heating to fund
biogas, industrial combined heat and power (CHP), and a surcharge on
electricity bills to subsidize renewables.
Here’s the legislation:  Website: www.kemin.dk/Documents/Presse/2012/Energiaftale/FAKTA%20UK%201.pdf
http://www.sustainablebusiness.com/index.cfm/go/news.display/id/23557

March 31, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | Denmark, renewable