Denmark’s ambassador in Pretoria has signed an agreement witnessed by South African Vice President Kgalema Petrus Motlanthe and Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt, on her visit to South Africa last week.

The agreement reflects the Danish Government’s aim of pushing climate and energy policy in a greener direction in some of the world's fast-growing economies.

The power sector of South Africa is changing

South Africa is such an economy. With sizeable investments in renewable energy on the cards, South Africa is gaining importance for Danish businesses. Now that the agreement has been signed, South Africa can draw on Danish expertise to integrate wind energy into its national grid. Specifically, this will involve helping to reorganise South Africa’s power sector, which currently relies almost exclusively on coal and accounts for about half of the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

“South Africa has begun investing in renewable energy. We have the extensive knowledge required to help South Africa make genuine progress, and we have the companies that can supply the cutting-edge products needed. This is an excellent move for both countries,” says Minister for Climate, Energy and Building Martin Lidegaard.

Danish wind power experience benefits South Africa

Before the transition from coal to wind energy can be made, wind resources must be mapped and the power grid regulated to allow wind energy to be exploited to the fullest possible extent. For years, Denmark has specialised in renewable energy and is a leader in incorporating wind energy into power grids worldwide. This experience is precisely what South Africa is looking for.

“If we can assist a country like South Africa to convert to more renewable, energy efficient power sources, the climate as a whole will benefit. In 2009, South Africa’s carbon dioxide emissions constituted half of Africa’s total emissions,” says Minister for Climate, Energy and Building Martin Lidegaard.

Denmark collaborate with fast-growing economies

Denmark is also working with China, Vietnam, Mexico and other fast-growing economies to address the specific challenges they are facing. Growth economies are in focus because this is where greenhouse gas emissions are increasing most rapidly and where the most significant potential reductions can be achieved.

“We must act now if we are to keep our promise and ensure that the average global temperature increases by no more than two degrees. In Denmark, we are implementing ambitious targets to limit carbon dioxide emissions and we are also collaborating on specific initiatives with a limited number of key growth countries wishing to benefit from our knowledge and experience,” says Minister for Climate, Energy and Building Martin Lidegaard.

The collaboration with South Africa, which will receive a total of DKK 40 million (€5.4 million) in development aid made available through the Danish Climate Envelope, is supported by the Danish Energy Agency’s newly established Low Carbon Transition Unit, and will involve active participation of the Danish Embassy in Pretoria.

Source: Ministry of Energy, Climate, Building

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