Danish oil and gas production commenced at the Dan Field in 1972. Since then, oil and gas production has risen sharply. The production of hydrocarbons has made Denmark self-sufficient in energy since 1997.

The production of oil and gas from the North Sea represents substantial value and has a major effect on the Danish economy via tax revenue, via the impact on the balance of trade and balance of payments and via the profits generated by the oil and gas sector.

In the past 50 years, oil companies have invested heavily in exploring, developing and operating Danish fields.

Oil and gas production also creates workplaces for thousands of people, both on- and offshore.