Electricity in Denmark in 2023

Denmark has made remarkable progress in its efforts to source clean electricity, achieving the milestone of getting over 80% of its electricity from low-carbon sources by 2023. Specifically, more than half of Denmark's electricity comes from wind power, reflecting a strong commitment to this clean energy technology. Additionally, biofuels contribute almost 19%, showcasing a mix of green energy sources in the national grid. Solar power provides close to 9%, further diversifying Denmark's clean energy portfolio. On the other hand, fossil fuels now make up just over 11% of Denmark's electricity consumption, with coal accounting for a significant portion. This limited reliance on fossils highlights the country's ongoing transition towards a sustainable energy system. Net imports also play a role, contributing about 8% to the total electricity mix.

Suggestions

In order to further increase its low-carbon electricity generation, Denmark could expand its current wind energy infrastructure given its already successful integration. This is an area where Denmark has demonstrated global leadership, and further investments could yield even greater returns, both economically and environmentally. Additionally, incorporating more solar panels could harness its untapped potential, especially during the summer months. Electrifying other sectors like transport, heating, and industry will require a substantial increase in electricity capacity, so scaling up existing low-carbon technologies, including potential exploration of nuclear energy, would ensure that Denmark meets its growing electricity demands sustainably while mitigating the adverse effects of fossil fuels.

History

Denmark's journey to achieving a high share of low-carbon electricity has been marked by significant milestones over the years. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, wind energy showed steady growth, with notable increases in 1998 and 2000. This trend continued into the late 2000s, with substantial gains observed in 2007 and particularly in 2011, when wind energy rose by 2 TWh. The early 2010s saw not only wind but also biofuels making significant contributions, as evidenced by increases in both categories in 2010. A noteworthy surge in wind energy generation occurred in the mid-2010s with 2014 and 2017 being exceptional years. While there were occasional declines, including a notable drop in 2016, Denmark consistently rebounded, as seen with strong performances in 2019 and 2022. Additionally, solar energy began making notable contributions in recent years, with small but steady increases in 2022 and 2023. This history underscores Denmark's commitment to low-carbon electricity and sets a promising precedent for future advancements.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources