Since the 1970s, Denmark has had a tradition of enacting agreements with broad consensus across the political spectrum on energy and environmental policy issues. Political stability has been vital in securing continuous investment and establishing ambitious, long-term targets. In this regard, public-private partnerships have proved a highly successful way of devising solutions to many sustainable development challenges.

Effective public-private partnerships have allowed shifting Danish governments to enact regulations and programs with the support of business and industry, ensuring successful implementation and adherence. The Danish way of conducting public-private partnerships is characterised by openness and high levels of societal trust. Beyond harnessing the strengths of public and private stakeholders, the Danish model tries to cushion the unavoidable twists and turns faced on an unknown path.

While the public sector provides the ambitious long-term goals and stable framework conditions, the private sector supplies the innovation, solutions and investments needed to achieve the visions. Demonstrating the commitment, Denmark’s 14 industry-specific Climate Partnerships are instrumental in realising the national 2030-climate target.

Driven by technological innovation, cost-efficiency and political commitment, renewables have experienced a remarkable evolution over the past decade.

As a pioneer in developing commercial wind power, Denmark is at the forefront of this transformation. Today, Denmark aims for a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, while Danish companies and authorities are exploring the vast potential of solar and geothermal energy to further strengthen its position as a global hub for clean energy solutions.

Coordinated planning and operation of energy systems across multiple energy carriers, infrastructures and consumption sectors is key to decarbonising future energy systems.

Denmark is advancing towards a fossil-free energy system by 2050, integrating over 70% renewable energy into its smart grid. Eyeing the potential of sector integration, the Danish ecosystem effectively links the electricity, heating, gas and transportation sectors to deliver reliable, cost-effective energy services with minimal environmental impact and increasing shares of renewables.

With extensive experience in international power connections and energy partnerships, Danish technology providers and experts help improve local as well as global energy systems.

Energy efficiency is among the cheapest, cleanest and easiest ways to eliminate energy waste and reduce the use of fossil fuels.

As an embedded part of the Danish mindset since the 1970s, Denmark has developed significant expertise in energy efficiency with a focus on industry, surplus heat, district heating and efficiency of buildings. Through advanced technologies, high-quality building materials and intelligent control systems, Denmark assists international partners in achieving significant energy savings and reaching sustainability targets.

Sustainable water management is key to maintaining long-term economic growth, human health and environmental sustainability.

The Danish water sector aims to be energy and climate-neutral by 2030 and is a frontrunner when it comes to energy recovery from wastewater. Denmark likewise has a long track-record in groundwater management, efficient supply through automation and data collection, industrial water efficiency and climate change adaptation.

Offering an integrated approach, Danish water utilities, authorities and private companies work with global partners to help their local communities and industries make every drop count.

Agriculture and food systems are a crucial axis of the global green transition.

As a long-standing research-based industry, Denmark’s agriculture and food sector is at the forefront of high standards and data-driven practices to ensure that resources are used smarter and more efficiently across the value chain.

Demonstrating the possibility of increased productivity while minimising environmental impact, Danish agriculture contributes to maximising existing solutions as well as implementing technological breakthroughs, biosolutions, and improved agricultural applications.

Cities play a powerful role in uniting communities and driving investment that can shape the transition to a greener, more equitable society.

Danish cities hold a long tradition of holistic and strategic urban planning, as well as implementing urban developments within mobility, infrastructure, climate adaptation, environmentally conscious architecture and construction. As living labs and vehicles for green technology rollout, Danish cities demonstrate global climate leadership and inspire others to act in support of the Paris Agreement.

Responsible for almost 40% of global energy-related carbon emissions and half of the world’s raw material use, the building and construction sector plays a crucial role in driving the green transition.

Danish experiences demonstrate that progressive regulations, efficiency measures and energy renovation are among the simplest and most economically beneficial avenues to decarbonise the built environment. Offering practical solutions to minimise the consumption of resources while considering social and financial value, Denmark helps partners all over the world improve their environmental and human impact from construction projects.

Political will, global alliances and technological advancements are needed to provide progress in promoting cleaner transport on land, sea and air.

As one of the world’s largest shipping nations, Denmark significantly contributes to global decarbonisation efforts not only within the maritime sector but also as a key partner in the deployment of offshore wind, green fuels and new carbon capture and storage projects.

Finding ways to overcome regulatory, financial, technological, and political barriers, Denmark actively seeks global collaboration to ensure that electrification, fossil-free aviation and green shipping can be sustainably scaled across the world.

As one of the hardest-to-abate sectors, industry plays a pivotal role in achieving a net-zero economy.

Through investments, policies, and progressive public-private partnerships, Denmark provides global inspiration on energy efficiency, integration of renewables, utilisation of surplus heat and ways to mandate emissions reductions. This includes initiatives to pave the way for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS), green hydrogen application and bio-based solutions across food and beverage, manufacturing and other energy-intensive sectors.

Equitable, green transition calls for global partnerships and cross-sectoral collaboration.

The Danish approach to green transition is rooted in strong public-private partnerships, enabling green financing, upskilling and job creation, innovation, sector integration, circular business models and just transition. The collaborative approach integrates global collaboration with local insights, uniting the public and private sectors to generate jobs and drive biodiversity conservation, economic growth and sustainable transition.