Electricity in Denmark in 2023/2024

Currently, Denmark is a leader in clean electricity generation, with over 83% of its electricity coming from low-carbon sources between October 2023 and September 2024. This impressive statistic includes more than 60% from wind energy, nearly 13% from biofuels, and a little over 10% from solar power. Fossil fuels still account for about 17% of the electricity mix, with coal, gas, and oil making up approximately 10%, 5.5%, and just over 1% respectively. Adding to its green energy success, Denmark is also a significant net exporter of electricity, which assists neighboring countries in reducing their emissions. Looking ahead, Denmark faces the ambitious challenge of further electrifying sectors such as transport, heating, and industry, which will substantially increase the demand for clean electricity.

Suggestions

To meet this future demand and increase its low-carbon electricity generation further, Denmark can expand its already substantial wind and solar power capacities. Wind energy, contributing a massive 60%, could benefit from more offshore and onshore wind farms, leveraging Denmark's windy landscape. Similarly, solar power, despite its minimal seasonal variation, could be more widely adopted through enhanced grid integration and subsidies for rooftop solar panels. By diversifying and boosting these existing low-carbon technologies, Denmark not only ensures energy security but also continues to play a pivotal role in combating climate change and reducing reliance on fossil fuels.

History

The history of low-carbon electricity in Denmark shows remarkable growth, especially in wind energy. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, wind power started to take off with significant increases in generation—0.9 TWh in 1998, 1.2 TWh in 2000, and a steady rise in subsequent years. The 2010s brought further strides in both wind and biofuels, with notable increments like an additional 1.3 TWh from biofuels and 1.1 TWh from wind in 2010 alone. Particularly impressive was the 2 TWh increase in wind energy in both 2011 and 2014. However, 2016 saw a temporary setback with a decrease of 1.4 TWh in wind generation. Recent years continue the upward trend, with 2.9 TWh from wind in 2022 and an additional 1.2 TWh from 2023 to 2024. Meanwhile, biofuels also saw fluctuations, including an impressive 2.8 TWh increase in 2021 but a subsequent drop of 2.7 TWh in the most recent period. Solar energy, while comparatively smaller, has consistently added 0.9 TWh in both 2022 and 2023, contributing to Denmark’s clean energy landscape.

Electricity Imports and Exports

Balance of Trade

Maximum Imports

Data Sources