The development of wind power in Denmark began in the late 1970s with the installation of the first commercial wind turbines, though modest in both size and capacity by modern standards. In 1990, wind power accounted for just two percent of Denmark’s domestic supply of electricity.

Today, wind turbines are much larger and more powerful, enabling a much bigger yield over the 30-year lifespan of modern turbines. Offshore wind was introduced in the early 1990s and is now the predominant solution for Denmark and several other markets moving towards 2030 and beyond.

Building a flexible, interconnected system

Forty years ago, Denmark’s electricity system relied on large coal-fired power plants. Since then, policies and planning have reshaped the system, bringing diversification, market integration and distributed power generation. Small and medium-sized combined heat and power plants, a shift to biomass and widespread wind deployment have transformed the energy mix. At the same time, a highly flexible electricity system, made possible by adaptable power plants, allows for rapid regulation of supply and a stable operation at low output.

Denmark has built strong cross-border interconnectors with several neighbouring countries, including a record-breaking 765 km long offshore HVDC power cable to the United Kingdom completed in 2024. Interconnectors are essential for integrating a growing share of fluctuating renewables energy – especially wind power – as they allow surplus power production to be exported to where it’s needed. In doing so, they serve as a key tool for balancing the grid and enhancing energy security for all connected countries.

Demand-side flexibility through data and AI

The next step in wind power integration relies on further electrification, sector coupling, and storage solutions, including heating, biogas, e-fuels and batteries, to create a more robust and resilient energy system. Managing larger shares of wind power will also depend on digitalisation, use of AI and data-driven solutions that enhance demand-side flexibility and support a seamless integration of fluctuating renewable energy across sectors.

Electrification is key to unlocking the potential of wind

Electricity makes up 20 percent of Denmark’s total energy consumption, but electrification is gaining ground in the transport sector with a significant increase in the share of electric vehicles. District heating is also adapting, with electric boilers and large-scale heat pumps driving up the use of green electricity. Meanwhile, the industrial sector still has a large untapped potential for further electrification.

To harness the full potential of renewable energy, Denmark will continue to focus on accelerated electrification across all sectors – strengthening the foundation for a greener, more resilient energy system.