Wind power key to making Denmark fossil fuel-free by 2050

The report prepared by the Klimakomissionen argues that the rising costs of fossil fuels and CO2 reduction measures, if coupled with limiting consumption through improved efficiency, makes the cost of conversion “surprisingly low”.

"We are very pleased that the Danish Government’s Climate Commission acknowledges wind energy’s potential as the cornerstone of the future energy supply. Vestas intends to use this message to show the world that thought can be put into action. It supports Vestas’ vision that wind is an energy resource that is just as reliable as oil and gas. It just does not pollute the environment, and it is an abundant and free resource,"says CEO of Vestas Ditlev Engel, commenting on the commission report – released today.

Firstly, the report concludes that Denmark can have a fossil free energy supply in the foreseeable future. Secondly, it confirms that wind energy is a modern and competitive power generation technology – and for Denmark, it will be the most economically feasible way to go for maximum usage of its wind resource. Thirdly, the Commission recognises the transition to renewable energy is an economical and technologically feasible option in the event of the oil and gas resources in the North Sea running dry.

"If the Danish government intends to follow the Climate Commission’s recommendations, it will contribute to keeping Denmark the leader in wind energy technology development. It will also send a very clear and important signal to other countries that wind is a sustainable source of energy for future development. This is a great opportunity to solidify Denmark’s reputation as a laboratory for green, CO2-free power technology solutions that are globally required," says Ditlev Engel.

In this ‘green’ future, electricity will comprise 40-70% of energy consumption, up from around 20% now. And a large part of this electricity will come from offshore wind energy, which the report highlights as an economically viable option for Denmark.

The Klimakomissionen says many more wind turbines will have to be erected to cover up to half of the country’s energy consumption.

Meanwhile, the energy system will have to become much more flexible and intelligent to cope with the fluctuation of wind energy. Technologies such as smart electricity meters, time-controlled recharging for electric vehicles and heat pumps in combination with heat storage systems will be crucial to the new energy order.

Wind turbine manufacturer Vestas has warmly welcomed the report, placing as it does wind power as the cornerstone of Denmark’s future energy portfolio.

“If the Danish government intends to follow the Climate Commission’s recommendations, it will contribute to keeping Denmark the leader in wind energy technology development,” says CEO Ditlev Engel. “It will also send a very clear and important signal to other countries that wind is a sustainable source of energy for future development.”

Denmark was an early leader in offshore wind farm, but has in recent years had to take second place to the UK, which has now exceeded 5 GW of offshore wind power.

www.klimakommissionen.dk/en-US/Danish_Commission_Report/Green%20Energy%20summary%20GB%20.pdf