Over the past 3
decades, Denmark’s economy has grown by around 78% - with nearly
stable energy consumption.
The
Danish Experience shows that persistent and active energy policies
on enhanced energy efficiency can at the same time allow for
sustained economic growth and the reduction of dependency on fossil
fuels and safeguarding the environment.
In a nutshell: energy savings, optimized manufacturing and
investments in green technology are good value for money.
At the
same time, the composition of the energy consumption has changed
significantly as a result of a political effort to promote the use
of renewable energy. Today renewable energy comprises over 16,5% of
overall energy consumption.
This has increased energy supply security and contributed
significantly to Denmark being well on track to reach her climate
goals. From 1990 to 2007 economic activity in Denmark increased by
more than 40%, while CO2 emissions decreased by nearly
14% (corrected for fluctuations in weather and electricity exchange
with other countries).
This paper outlines how Denmark has managed to
sustain economic growth while keeping energy consumption almost at
the same level and reducing CO
2 emissions.