Denmark’s push to decarbonise its industries
Denmark is committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and the industrial sector will be crucial to achieving this target. Through collaboration between the public and private sectors and the implementation of ambitious regulations, Denmark has created a framework that fosters both climate action and competitiveness.
A long-standing tradition of energy efficiency is central to the decarbonisation of Denmark’s industries. Since the 1970s oil crisis, Denmark has actively worked to reduce energy consumption, resulting in one of the world’s least energy-intensive industries. In today’s world of volatile energy prices and strained supply chains, energy efficiency also offers a clear business advantage.
The drive towards decarbonising Denmark’s industries is further supported by innovative solutions like carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS), as well as sector coupling. CCUS prevents carbon emissions from entering the atmosphere while repurposing carbon for climate-positive solutions such as Power-to-X, which can be used to produce green fuels. Sector coupling, on the other hand, offers a transformative approach to maximise the potential of renewable energy by integrating energy systems across sectors. This creates new levels of efficiency and resilience, leading the way toward a low-carbon, resource-efficient future.