The agreement on Danish energy policy for the years 2008 – 2011
was concluded February 2008
The parties behind the agreement agreed on
• 20% renewable energy in gross energy consumption by 2011
• Annual energy savings of 1.5% of the final energy consumption for
2006
• 4% reduction relative to 2006 in gross energy consumption by
2020
Read the agreement
here
"Never has Danish society staked so much on renewable energy as we
are now doing. In the coming years we will be undertaking massive
development of wind power in Denmark, especially offshore. Everyone
will benefit from the creation of a stabile framework for investing
in sustainable energy. Wind turbine owners can connect their mills
from now on and be paid the new transfer rate. Now we are moving
forward", says Minister for Climate and Energy Connie Hedegaard
(Conservative).
As results of the agreement, the transfer rate for electricity from
land wind turbines, biomass and bio gas have been raised
significantly, and 400 MW from new offshore wind turbines will be
installed by 2012. A compensation scheme for neighbours of wind
turbines has been set up. At the same time, the effort to save
energy has been notably ramped up: In 2020, energy use must have
fallen by 4% compared to 2006. Hydrogen vehicles have become
tax-free and the same applies to electric vehicles provisionally
until 2012, and a pool of 35 million DKK has been set aside for
electric vehicle research. Another 25 million DKK per year for the
next five years has been earmarked for wave and solar power
research. The Government and Danish People's Party agreed on an
increase in research, development and demonstration efforts in
energy technology to the amount of 750 million DKK in 2009 and 1
billion DKK from 2010. This will be taken up in connection with the
implementation of globalisation funding.
"The new energy agreement places Demark at the forefront, with a
positive effort. We are drawing upon a long list of technologies:
Wind turbines, electric cars and heat pumps. We are setting new
requirements for power plants and electric companies. We must work
on all fronts. This must involve all of our society: From the way
we build houses, how we light our homes, where the heat in our
radiators comes from, to whether our cars run on wind energy or
old-fashioned petrol. It will be significant for industry,
institutions and organisations. For every single citizen", says
Minister for Climate and Energy Connie Hedegaard.
"In 2025 our overall energy consumption will not have risen in 50
years. We have set the European agenda for converting to electrical
supply that is both environmentally benign and secure. Our line of
sight for renewable energy up to 2020 will be a linear development
toward the goal the EU sets for us. With the agreement, Denmark
shows that we ourselves are moving forward and adopting the
necessary energy policy", says Minister Hedegaard. The additional
costs are calculated to be about 1.7 billion DKK annually in 2011
and 2.5 billion DKK annually in 2012.
The agreeement was concluded by the Government (Conservatives and
Liberals) and the Social Democrats, Danish People's Party,
Socialist People's Party, Social Liberals and New Alliance. The
parties behind the agreement will receive a status report on
development toward the goals and implement analyses up until 2011.
By the end of 2010 it will be determined whether there is a need
for implementing further initiatives.
Fact sheets about the agreement can be found to your right.