Countries around the world face critical energy choices. The goal of economic growth and future prosperity is challenged by energy needs and international efforts to find solutions to mitigate global warming. Thus the energy choices revolve around choosing appropriate policies and measures with regard to the energy mix and the timing and scope of investments in energy infrastructure. A key question for energy planners remains whether today’s investments in energy infrastructure should be based on traditional fossil fuels or on energy efficiency, energy savings and renewable energy technologies?

The traditional fossil fuel oriented approach may still be cost-efficient in the shorter run compared to some of the more costly renewable energy sources but this approach is clearly unsustainable in the longer run. The alternative and sustainable approach is that of energy savings and promotion of energy efficiency and renewables. While fossil fuel prices are expected to rise further, the cost of renewable energy technologies may very well fall due to maturing of the technologies and an increase in demand with associated economics of scale. Thus the necessity of transferring the energy systems from reliance on fossil fuels towards renewable energy sources does not necessarily run counter to future economic prosperity.

This energy policy toolkit shares knowledge and experiences gained in the Danish case on handling barriers and improving energy efficiency of new buildings.

Download the toolkit here.