Denmark has almost 50 years of experience in transitioning its energy system from black to green. Over these five decades, Denmark has shown how to sustain economic growth and high living standards while reducing fossil fuel dependency and mitigating climate change. This is called the Danish Energy Model. The backbone is a political framework characterised by an ambitious, long-term outlook and broad political support. The experience now serves as a catalyst for other countries with whom Denmark seeks to optimise the value of their energy system, based on the Danish Energy Model.

Bilateral collaboration

By sharing lessons learned, Denmark aims to push the global green transition and support foreign governments to leapfrog their transition towards low-carbon energy. Today, the Danish Energy Agency cooperates bilaterally with 25 emerging and developed economies. Combined, they represent around 70 percent of global CO2 emissions. The cooperation with select OECD countries is organised through the Energy Governance Partnership, which focuses on promoting the export of Danish energy solutions to accelerate the green energy transition in partner countries. The cooperation with emerging economies aims to support the countries’ climate ambitions while ensuring inclusive and sustainable growth.

Four areas of expertise

The focus of government-to-government cooperation is to assist local authorities and institutions in the green transition of their energy systems while maintaining stable economic growth. Based on Danish know-how, the partnerships revolve around:

• Long-term energy modelling and planning, focusing on increasing security of supply while monitoring an increased use of variable renewable energy.
• Enhanced framework conditions for renewable energy, making the renewable energy markets more attractive for investment.
• Integration of renewable energy and flexibility of the power sector, ensuring the optimal utilisation of renewable energy.
• Promotion of energy efficiency in industry and buildings in order to reduce energy consumption.
• Strengthening the knowledge of district heating

In addition, the Danish TSO, Energinet, holds vast experience in ensuring a record-high energy security and works as a close partner in many of the country partnerships. Danish embassies in partner countries also play a crucial coordinating role. Promoting green developments By supporting a shift towards more sustainable energy systems, renewable energy installations grow, and new markets for green solutions mature. This supports the market development for wind power and energy-efficient solutions and reduces the barriers for green investors.