The sustainable energy system of the future

The fossil-free energy system

We must change our energy system so that it is fossil-free in the future. This calls for massive investments and a high pace in the roll-out of renewable energy, at the same time that we will have to use energy much more efficiently

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of Denmark's energy consumption is obtained from sun and wind

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of energy consumption is made up of fossil fuels

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of our renewable energy is made up of biomass

The transition to a fossil-free energy system is absolutely crucial if we in Denmark - and the rest of the world - are to be able to live up to our climate targets and thus keep climate change more or less in check.

Despite much focus on the success story of the Danish wind turbines, we in Denmark are still miles away from having a fossil-free energy system.

Denmark's consumption

In 2022, oil, natural gas and coal thus accounted for 54,4 per cent. of Denmark's total energy consumption and accounted for emissions of 29 million tonnes of CO2.

If you look at Denmark's electricity production from wind and solar alone, it corresponds to 2022 per cent in 59,3. of Danish electricity consumption, but still only accounts for 10 per cent. of Denmark's total energy consumption when we include the heating sector.

In addition to this, Denmark has had a record high consumption of biomass in recent years. The consumption of bioenergy and particularly the burning of solid biomass, for example wood pellets and wood chips, has grown explosively, and in 2022 it was 211 PJ, which corresponds to 68 per cent. – i.e. 2/3 of Denmark's renewable energy consumption. It is a challenge because bioenergy and energy from burning trees is far from climate neutral.

The way to the goal

If we look ahead to 2030, today there is far from the necessary political ambitions and financial resources allocated to realize the transition to renewable energy on the scale that is needed - both to be able to reduce the climate footprint from the energy sector, but also in terms of to be able to supply power to the many other parts of society that will be electrified over the coming years.

The good news is that we have the technologies. We have wind turbines, solar cells, heat pumps and geothermal energy, which can replace both our fossil fuels and biomass. Now it's about us doing it.

Green Transition Denmark therefore works purposefully to ensure that the pace of the roll-out of renewable energy and the development of the necessary energy infrastructure is increased significantly - both here at home and in the EU. We are also working to ensure that the transition to a fossil-free energy system takes place as efficiently as possible. Our goal is thus a fossil-free energy system in 2040, which is:

Smart – a robust and efficient energy system

Sector-connected – a flexible system where energy flows freely between electricity, heat and transport

Absolutely sustainable – an energy system where planetary boundaries are respected

The most important political measures

Green Transition Denmark believes that the Danish government should:

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1. Set a further pace on investment and deployment of renewable energy – including also coming up with the necessary plan for and investments in the electricity grid, so that it can keep up with capacity.
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2. Adopt a national action plan for energy efficiency with a goal of saving 23 per cent. of Danish energy consumption in 2030 compared to 2019.
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3. Speed up efforts in a targeted manner the direct electrification of energy-intensive sectors, such as transport and energy-intensive industry
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4. Phase out wood-based biomass in the energy supply – by 2035 at the latest.
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5. Phase out all oil– and gas boilers for heating in homes and businesses before 2028.
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6. Bet wisely on the development of PtX, so it will be a focused alternative only for those areas where direct electrification is not possible, and not a large-scale solution that can be used across sectors.