Danish gov't urged to take ambitious green energy policy

Denmark should take an ambitious and long-term energy policy from 2020 if its goal of a low-emission society by 2050 is to be achieved, said a new report from the Energy Commission.

The Energy Commission has since called for a paradigm shift in energy policy so as to ensure efficient conversion, according to the report handed over by commission chairman Niels B. Christiansen to Energy and Climate Minister Lars Christian Lilleholt on Monday.

The Energy Commission also pointed out that the new energy policy must be more market-based and renewable energy support should be phased out as it becomes competitive. In the meantime, the establishment of a smart energy system is a prerequisite for integrating renewable energy into the energy system.

"After last year's work in the Energy Commission, it is clear that an ambitious energy policy is needed from 2020 if we are to reach the long-term goal of a low-emission society based on renewable energy by 2050," said Christiansen.

The Energy Commission was formed in March last year to analyze the new developments in the energy sector and make recommendations for the country's future energy policies. It composes of eight members from various academia and industries.

At present, the share of renewable energy in final energy consumption in Denmark stands at approximately 30 percent, and fossil fuels still cover a substantial amount of energy consumption, according to the report.

The Danish government has set a long-term objective to go free of fossil fuels by the year 2050.

The Energy Commission considers the government's objective of at least 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 as a stepping-stone towards the 2050 goal.

It recommends a paradigm shift in energy policy, where focus is on an international perspective, increased electrification and on developing efficient market-based solutions.

"I am very pleased that the Energy Commission finds that there is no contradiction between being ambitious and focusing on costs," Lilleholt said upon receiving the report.

"On the contrary, this is about setting up energy and climate policy in a way that gives us the most green change for the money," he said.

"The work of the Energy Commission will make a significant contribution to the coming months of preparation for the government's energy campaign, which will be launched in autumn 2017 for negotiations on a new energy agreement," the minister added. Endit