Denmark intends to build more energy islands and accelerate renewable energy production to become independent from Russian gas, Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities reports. The key will be the development of offshore wind energy.
The government reports that in the wake of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, efforts are needed to become independent from Russian fossil fuels. One of the solutions is the development of RES. Initiatives to increase the contribution of renewable energy, phase out natural gas, and increase the share of green gas are part of the Danish government’s joint proposal.
In the new proposal, the Danish government intends to exploit the full potential of offshore wind power and accelerate energy production at onshore installations to ensure Denmark and Europe’s independence from Russian fossil fuels.
– Denmark and Europe must become independent of Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible. To achieve this, Denmark will accelerate the green transition by significantly increasing the use of renewable energy both onshore and offshore. There is wind potential in the North Sea that could meet the energy needs of millions of European homes. This great potential for offshore wind energy must be exploited, which is why the Danish government is beginning preparations to build additional energy islands on top of those already planned, reports the Minister of Climate, Energy and Utilities, Dan Jørgensen.
Preliminary estimates indicate an initial need for at least 35 GW of offshore wind capacity in the Danish part of the North Sea. This is approximately the same amount of offshore wind power that was installed globally in 2020. The plan is to install an additional 1-4 GW by 2030.
Denmark is already planning to build the world’s first energy island in the North Sea. At maximum capacity, the hub will be able to power 10 million European households. Another hub will be built on Bornholm Island in the Baltic Sea with a capacity of 2 GW.
Independence from Russian fossil fuels also means rapidly phasing out natural gas through more district heating and electric heat pump installations. In addition, green tax reform will contribute to the gradual shift away from gas in the industry. Denmark will increase and accelerate renewable gas production and contribute to Europe’s energy independence from Russia with natural gas from the North Sea.
Earlier in April, Denmark and 10 other EU member states signed a statement urging the EU to accelerate and increase its climate ambition in the Fit for 55 negotiations to move away from Russian fossil fuels as soon as possible
Source: Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities of Denmark
