Denmark has gone from being 99 percent dependent on foreign fossil fuel to being completely energy self-sufficient. Thirty years of focused energy policy, implemented after the 1973 oil crisis, has catapulted Denmark ahead of most other nations in the use of renewable energy technology.
The Danish government has set the goal to be completely independent of fossil fuels by 2050.
The Government also has ambitious shorter term goals of a 20 percent share of renewables in energy consumption by 2011, and at least 30 percent in energy consumption by 2020. In 2010, renewable energy accounts for 28 percent of the electricity supply.
Why place your cleantech activities in Denmark?
- Indisputable industry leader and serious government dedication to maintain and develop its strong renewable energy position
- Nationwide state-of-the-art smart grid energy system
- Excellent waste management system
- Best wind exploitation in the world
- World class research and talent pools providing excellent innovative and user-centred cleantech solutions
- Excellent collaborative business environment and exemplary public-private partnerships between companies, universities and public administration
- Excellent opportunities for cross-over innovation with other technologies
Denmark – a global cleantech hot spot
Danish society exemplifies how sustainable development can go hand in hand with increasing consumption and economic growth. In the last 25 years, the Danish economy has grown by 70 percent while energy consumption has remained largely unchanged.
Cleantech is the fastest growing sector in Denmark
Cleantech has been the fastest-growing sector of Danish exports in recent years, and exports are expected to quadruple in the next four to five years.
Already, 1100 Danish cleantech companies employ around 60,000 people - in a nation of 5.5 million residents, and the total export value exceeds 12 billion Euro. Finally, no less than 46 research institutions are focusing on R&D within cleantech.