The main objectives of Danish energy policy are:
- Security of energy supply
- Environmental and climate aspects of the use of energy
- Cost effectiveness of energy supplies.
In order to realize these goals various policies are being followed by the Government. One policy is to develop as well as utilize new energy technologies.
A further objective when supporting development and demonstration of new energy technologies is to focus on technologies that may be produced and exported by Danish companies.
History
Being 100 % dependent on imported oil in the early 1970’es the Danish Government has since increased efficiency in use of energy through energy planning and other initiatives. These initiatives have led to increased use of waste heat from power stations. Other initiatives have led to increased use of renewable energy.
A result of the policies initiated is that Danish companies and research institutions today are internationally acknowledged with respect to the development of several energy technologies. The Danish export of energy technology has in recent years grown stronger than the overall Danish export and today the energy technology export constitutes approximately 10 percent of the total Danish exports (2008).
Strong positions may be found in technology areas such as wind energy, biomass including burning of biomass in power stations and development of methods to produce 2nd generation bioethanol. Other fields to be mentioned are fuel cells and components to be used in relation to heating and cooling.