Denmark of green pragmatism

Aug 18, 2011 by Candace Lombardi

COPENHAGEN–Denmark is known to many for its progressive architecture, functional design, and leadership in wind and renewable energy. (Not to mention its Michelin-starred Noma restaurant.) But given the country’s green reputation, how much of Denmark’s electricity would you suppose is provided by wind turbines? By renewable energy in general?

If you guessed 50 percent–or even 30 percent–you’d be wrong. And so was I–even after years of reading and writing about Denmark and its green technology.

Given my longtime intrigue with Denmark’s progressive energy policy and stake in gas, oil, and wind power, I decided to visit the country and tour with an eye for how this country powers itself.

Countries looking to Denmark for energy advice will want to note that its vast success is due in large part to pragmatism. While it has shown more foresight than other countries by implementing energy policy changes early on, it’s also allowed the actual switch toward renewables to take place at a relatively slow pace. It’s progression away from coal has taken four decades and it will take another four decades to be complete.

By researching the country’s energy policy, its history of electricity regulatory reform, and its most recent report from the Danish Energy Agency, I discovered some interesting facts:

Continue reading on Green Tech…

For photos on the topic:

Denmark’s pragmatic shades of green (photos)