New green government starts well!
The presentation of the government's basis for the new government is a source of joy for the environmental organization Green Transition Denmark, which calls the government 'the greenest we have had.'
"It is truly gratifying that the greenest government we have ever had is off to a good start with a foundation that promises well for a green transition in Denmark. Although there are many important agendas at this time, the environment and climate still occupy a significant place in the government's foundation."", says Jeppe Juul, head of the secretariat of the environmental organization Council for Green Transformation.
A tightening of the climate target from 82% to at least 85% in 2035 means that the next round of the green transition must deliver broadly across society. This requires both structural transformations of energy, heating, transport, industry and agriculture – and a much stronger effort where we can create results here and now. Especially with a view to the fact that we still lack a plan to secure the 2030 target.
Accelerated electrification and a smarter power grid – but with continuing barriers
"The strongest aspect of the government's foundation is the strong focus on electrification, together with smarter use of the electricity grid. The government proposes that grid connection can be prioritized according to system value and societal value. This is crucial if a strained electricity grid is not to slow down electrification.”, says Britt Dam, Climate and Energy Advisor at the Green Transition Denmark.
At the same time, the organization emphasizes that in the new Four-leaf Clover government framework, there are still key uncertainties about the phasing out of gas boilers and biomass. It is positive with new immediate subsidies for the phasing out of oil and gas boilers and a focus on social balance. But the government continues to avoid saying clearly that gas boilers must be phased out. Biogas, also called “green gas”, is a limited resource and should only be used where electrification is difficult, and to reduce Europe's overall import needs – not to extend the life of an expensive and unreliable gas network for home heating.
The government also proposes to try to phase out imported biomass. However, EU regulations unfortunately make it doubtful whether this model will hold up in practice. Similarly, phasing out imported biomass will not benefit the Danish climate accounts.
Unclear signals about gas boilers and biomass thus risk constituting barriers to electrification, which the government rightly makes the main track in the green transition.
Transport and environment
"There are many good initiatives in the transport area that point forward. Particularly important in relation to aviation, where Danish-produced PTX fuels will contribute to the transformation of aviation and passenger taxes on private aircraft and cruise tourism. Likewise, free public transport for young people under 22 years of age will provide better utilization of public transport and make it more natural for new generations to use public transport."”, says Jeppe Juul.
"It is incredibly important that we now have a ban on spraying in groundwater areas. And coupled with an action plan for environmentally harmful substances in the marine environment, removal of VAT on fruit and vegetables, new stricter frameworks for animal production in agriculture and changes in agricultural support, some very important ships are being put into the sea for the environment in Denmark", says Lone Mikkelsen from the Green Transition Denmark.
Next step: From ambitions to concrete plans
Although there are many good elements in the government's framework, there are also tasks that are not mentioned that should also be addressed, and many elements need to be specified, according to the Green Transition Denmark. This is particularly true of areas where we can achieve quick and effective results.
“It is clear that we need a plan to close the gap to the 2030 target, as well as to ensure a safe path towards a higher 2035 target. A stop for Danish biomass for energy in 2030 would improve our climate accounts by approx. 13 million tons of CO2 towards 2035 – and even at a very low price. Likewise, methane reductions within the biogas value chain and livestock farming in particular can deliver fast and effective reductions here and now. Therefore, we need a methane plan so that we can secure our short-term climate goals,” emphasizes Britt Dam.
"The government is off to a great start, but there is a need for increased focus on environmentally hazardous substances in general. We are in the middle of a chemicals crisis and yet we lack concrete targets for phasing out the most harmful chemicals."”, says Lone Mikkelsen.
Regarding transportation, Jeppe Juul says: "Although there are several initiatives regarding public transport and cohesion in the country, there are no initiatives regarding self-driving mobility as part of public transport or increased incentives for switching to electric trucks. These will be some of the areas we will be pushing forward with going forward," says Jeppe Juul.
Green Transition Denmark finds solutions in close collaboration with other stakeholders.










