Electricity in Denmark in 2023/2024

Denmark has made remarkable strides in its electricity generation, with more than 83% coming from low-carbon sources over the past year, spanning from November 2023 to October 2024. This impressive achievement highlights the country's commitment to sustainable energy practices and reducing its reliance on fossil fuels, which still account for a bit over 16% of its electricity production. Among the clean energy sources, wind power takes a leading role by contributing close to 60% alone, underscoring Denmark's renowned prowess in harnessing wind energy. Solar power and biofuels also play significant roles, making up 10.7% and above 13%, respectively. The combined effort of these low-carbon technologies has not only propelled Denmark towards a greener future but also allowed it to be a substantial net exporter of electricity, aiding surrounding countries in lowering their emissions and steering towards a more sustainable energy landscape. Looking forward, Denmark's new frontier lies in electrifying other sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, which will importantly depend on expanding its clean electricity supply.

Suggestions

To continue boosting its low-carbon electricity generation, Denmark can focus on expanding existing wind and solar infrastructure. Considering wind power's dominant contribution, augmenting offshore and onshore wind capacity would further solidify its position as a leader in wind energy. Similarly, increasing solar installations, especially rooftop and decentralized systems, could help harness the substantial solar potential available. Both strategies would not only help meet growing electricity demands but also align with Denmark's environmental goals by diminishing fossil fuel dependency, thereby mitigating climate change and reducing air pollution. While biofuels have contributed to Denmark's sustainable electricity grid, future growth could be met by diversifying into further solar and wind projects, possibly complemented by nuclear, which remains one of the most reliable and clean sources of electricity when considered globally.

History

In exploring the history of Denmark's low-carbon electricity, we observe steady advancements particularly in wind power over the decades. In the late 1990s and through the 2000s, Denmark's wind energy sector witnessed consistent growth, witnessing significant increases in 1998, 2000, 2004, and 2007. The early 2010s marked a substantial leap with sizeable increases, reaching peak additions in 2011 and 2014. More recent years, specifically around the turn of the 2020s, saw even larger increments in wind and smaller, though noteworthy, increases in solar. While the pace of wind expansion slowed slightly in some years, the overall trend through the decades reflects a strong upward trajectory. Biofuels also saw some growth, notably in 2010, 2017, and a significant rise in 2021, although with some recent declines, indicating the dynamic nature of the sector. Overall, Denmark’s strategy exemplifies a balanced approach in steadily increasing its clean electricity supply, setting a model for others aiming for a low-carbon future.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources