Denmark helps Brazil, Colombia and Pakistan accelerate renewable energy transition

2 June 2021

As countries look towards sustainable ways of fuelling their growing energy demands, Danish knowledge and early experiences are increasingly being sought after. In securing access to reliable, sustainable and low-cost energy with global partners, a new Danish Energy Transition Initiative (DETI) aims to accelerate the implementation of renewables, energy efficiency and sustainable energy planning. Launched by the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities and Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the initiative kicks-off in Brazil, Colombia and Pakistan.

“If Denmark, as a green frontrunner, truly wants to deal with climate change, we have to help other countries transitioning their energy systems. With a lead within renewables and energy efficiency, Denmark holds valuable knowledge that can push the green transition abroad. We already support a line of the world’s biggest emitters, but now we also strengthen the contribution to countries foreseeing an increasing energy demand. It is our role to help the transition become as green as possible”, says Denmark’s Minister for Climate, Energy and Utilities, Dan Jørgensen.

Obliged to help where climate change has the greatest impact

The three initial partner countries are all standing at the foot of an increase in their electricity consumption towards 2030. Facing a growing need to produce more with less, the partners seek to work with Denmark in securing a transition with a higher share of renewables while focusing on energy efficiency at large. In staying ahead of the development, the efforts seek viable solutions and policies as early as possible.

“We are fully aware that the impact of climate change will affect the poorest and most vulnerable the most. As the consequences of global warming in developing countries supersede the impact in our part of the world, we are obliged to help others in reducing their emissions. In providing impactful development cooperation and delivering on our climate ambitions, green transition is front and centre”, says Flemming Møller Mortensen, Denmark’s Minister for Development Cooperation.

The initiative’s efforts in Brazil will primarily focus on energy planning and offshore wind. In Colombia, the cooperation further revolves around offshore wind capacities while developing new frameworks for sustainable energy planning. Emphasis in Pakistan will be around the promotion of renewable energy sources and industrial energy efficiency while creating a foundation for improved energy planning.

The new initiative is led by the Danish Energy Agency. The Danish Energy Agency is already supporting 16 countries, such as the U.S., China and India, through established climate partnerships. The global partnerships focus on sharing of knowledge and experiences from Denmark’s green transition with local authorities.