Energy Strategy 2050 – from coal, oil and gas

Energy is a prerequisite for a modern society with economic
growth and welfare. We take power and heating
for granted, just as we take access to clean drinking
water and clean air for granted. This has held true for
most of the 20th century, and it should to apply for the
21st century.
However, for economic, strategic and environmental
reasons, we will have to take a completely fresh look
at the way in which we consume and produce energy.
Over the last hundred years, western societies have had
access to plentiful and relatively cheap fossil energy. The
next 100 years will bring considerable change, with an
increasing number of people demanding a share of the
energy, while available fossil fuels become ever scarcer
and oil resources are concentrated in the hands of just
a few countries. There is also the fact that global climate
problems will require us to burn far less coal, oil and gas.
The 21st century will have to be the century in which
we find new solutions to satisfy the demand for energy
services, i.e. lighting, heating, transport, production etc.
With these challenges also come new opportunities for
Denmark, since the majority of countries will be faced
with the same challenges, meaning that there will be a
1973
95% of
Danish energy
consumption
covered by
imported oil
Oil and gas from
the North Sea
Figure 1.1 Phases in the transition of the Danish energy
system
The next 100 years will bring considerable
change, with an increasing number of people
demanding a share of the energy
1985
Electricity and
heating from coal
and natural gas
Increased
energy efficiency
considerable growth in the demand for green technologies;
an area in which Danish enterprises excel.
A good foundation
Over a number of years, Denmark has enjoyed high
security of supply with world-class energy efficiency, and
an increasing share of renewable energy. This is due to
a radical conversion of the Danish energy system since
the first oil crisis in 1973. Firstly, considerable energy
efficiency improvements have taken place at companies
and in households, and energy production has likewise
been made more efficient, for example through the
expansion of district heating and combined heat and
power production (CHP). Secondly, the fuel mix has
changed from 95% dependence on imported oil to a differentiated
energy supply based on coal, oil, natural gas
and renewables.
Independence of fossil fuels is to preserve this favourable
situation in a future where Denmark and the rest of
the world will experience increasing demand for energy
services, while the production of fossil fuels, especially
oil and gas, will be concentrated in ever fewer countries
and regions.
2011
High energy
efficiency
Large share of
renewable energy
Net exporter
of energy
2050
Denmark is
independent
of fossil fuels
Energy Strategy 2050 – from coal, oil and gas to green energy.
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