DENMARK 100% RENEWABLE ENERGY BY 2050 |
Oranjestad, April 10, 2012 - 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. The agreement is important for delivering on the political goal that Denmark's entire energy supply (electricity, heating, industry and transport) is covered by renewable energy in 2050, says the document. Wind energy, which Denmark has long exploited, currently provides 25% of the country's electricity. While cleantech accounts for about 0.3% of U.S. gross domestic product, it accounts for 3.1% in Denmark, largely because of its strong wind industry.
Details of the Plan
Bans oil and natural gas boilers in new buildings in 2013 and in existing buildings in 2016, where district heating is available:
"In the long term," the plan says, "the transport sector will face a radical conversion from fossil fuels to electricity and biofuels." |