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From goals to action: Denmark presents plan to reach climate targets

A historic green tripartite agreement, the phasing out of coal, a carbon tax for industries, and carbon capture and storage. These are some of the initiatives that outline the path towards achieving Denmark's 2030 goal of a 70% reduction.

The Danish Government have presented a climate programme named klimaprogram 2024, outlining initiatives and concert actions to achieve Denmark’s 2030 target of a 70% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The plan introduces a series of critical measures to help ensure the country stays on course towards reaching its climate goals.

Paving the way for 2030: Key initiatives

The programme outlines a comprehensive roadmap that includes the phasing out of coal, a carbon tax for industries, and the implementation of carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. These initiatives are set to not only meet Denmark’s 2030 climate goals but also lay the foundation for a long-term sustainable future.

One of the cornerstone measures is the introduction of a high and uniform CO2 tax for industries, starting in 2025 and gradually being phased in until 2030. This tax will incentivise industries to reduce their emissions significantly, encouraging investment in cleaner technologies and operational efficiencies. Additionally, a plan to raise the diesel tax by DKK 0.50 per litre will drive further decarbonisation in heavy road transport, alongside a DKK 750 million fund to support the green transition of the transport sector between 2024 and 2030.

Further bolstering Denmark’s green credentials is the government’s commitment to CCS, with the first CCS tender of DKK 8 billion already completed. This initiative will lead to the capture and storage of 430,000 tonnes of CO2 annually from power plants in Avedøre and Kalundborg starting in 2026, with more projects set to follow.

Looking ahead: Climate goals for 2035 and 2040

As Denmark nears its 2025 and 2030 climate milestones, the country is preparing for its next challenge—setting a new climate target for 2035. According to Denmark’s Climate Law, the 2035 target will be set by 2025 and will reflect a new reality where the energy sector is largely green, and the focus shifts towards decarbonising other sectors, notably transport and agriculture.

This forward-thinking approach extends to the European level as well. Denmark strongly supports an EU-wide climate goal of at least a 90% reduction by 2040, aligning with broader European efforts to combat climate change and reduce emissions across sectors.

KP24: A comprehensive approach

The national climate programme highlights Denmark’s multi-faceted strategy to meet its 2030 climate goals. The program includes:

  • The implementation of a high CO2 tax for industries starts in 2025, with full enforcement by 2030.
  • An increase in the diesel tax and significant financial support for the green transition of the transport sector.
  • Investments in CCS technologies to capture and store CO2 from power plants, with the potential to significantly reduce emissions from heavy industries.
  • A substantial push to phase out oil and gas heating systems by 2035, supported by DKK 1 billion allocated to helping households switch to district heating or other renewable sources.

Building momentum towards 2030

While the path ahead presents challenges, Denmark’s climate program demonstrates the country’s unwavering commitment to a sustainable future. As Denmark’s Climate, Energy, and Supply, Lars Aagaard aptly put it:

“We can now present a roadmap that shows how every sector will contribute to Denmark reaching its 2030 goals. But the journey is far from over—it is time to translate these political agreements into concrete climate action.”

Denmark’s green transition is not just a national goal but part of a larger European and global effort. The comprehensive and ambitious Klimaprogram 2024 is a testament to Denmark’s commitment to be a frontrunner in the green transition, demonstrating that decisive action today will lead to a cleaner, greener tomorrow.

For more information, you can access the full Klimaprogram 2024 here and the Klimapjece 2024 here (both in Danish).

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