On 21 February 2008 the Danish government (the Liberals and the Conservatives) and the Danish Social Democrats, the Danish People's Party, the Socialist People's Party, the Social Liberals and New Alliance agreed on a comprehensive agreement regarding Danish energy policy for the years 2008-2011.
The agreement's duration and overall framework are as follows:
- The agreement covers the period 2008-2011.
- The goal of the agreement is to reduce Denmark's dependence on fossil fuels, coal, oil and gas.
- The percentage of gross energy consumption covered by renewable energy must be 20% in 2011.
- The agreement sets concrete measures for meeting this intermediate goal.
- Savings and renewable energy targets must be achieved via linear phasing.
- If there are significant deviations from the linear phasing path for renewable energy and savings targets, the parties will discuss supplementary initiatives for attaining the targets.
- Until 2011, a status report of targets and implemented analyses will be made and published annually in September.
- At the end of 2010, the parties will discuss concrete supplementary initiatives for the period after 2011.
With regard to energy savings and energy efficiency, the agreement includes the following:
- Gross energy consumption: Gross energy consumption must fall by a total of 4% by 2020, relative to 2006. The goal is for gross energy consumption to fall by 2% by 2011 compared with 2006, corresponding to a drop from 863 PJ in 2006 to 846 PJ in 2011.
- Higher targets for energy efficiency: Annual savings must be increased to 1.5% of the final energy consumption in 2006, corresponding to annual savings of 10.3 PJ.
- Stricter obligations: From 2010, the energy companies' obligations must be increased from the current 2.95 PJ annually to 5.4 PJ annually. Implementation of the stricter obligations will be discussed with the companies.
- Reduction of energy use in buildings: For new buildings there must be a cutback of at least 25% in 2010, at least 25% in 2015 and at least 25% in 2020, corresponding to a total reduction of at least 75% by 2020.
- Campaigns to promote energy savings in buildings: DKK 20 million will be allocated annually in 2008-2011, and DKK 5-10 million annually thereafter. This is to be implemented immediately.
- Knowledge Centre for energy savings in buildings: Of the DKK 20 million earmarked for promoting energy savings, up to DKK 10 million will be allocated annually in 2008-2011. The Centre will be evaluated in 2011. The invitation to tender for the project will be issued immediately. The Centre will be located in an environment with technical experience.