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More than one billion euros in research support to Denmark: green energy is a priority

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16 September 2019

The latest Horizon 2020 figures show that researchers and companies in Denmark are particularly skilled at developing green energy solutions to societal challenges. The Danish research institutions and companies have received over one billion euros from Horizon 2020 since its inception in 2014 – of this 124 million euro have gone to research and innovation in the energy sector.

“It is very positive that Denmark is at the forefront when it comes to developing future solutions to climate challenges. Green research is key to reaching the ambitious climate goals we have set. I am proud of Danish research that is doing well in the green area and I hope that we can lift the green transition in society in cooperation with the other EU countries,” said Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen, Danish Minister of Higher Education and Science.

-Related news: State support for green projects has significant positive economic effects

Looking at the 20 countries that receive most funds from Horizon 2020, Denmark is on a second place when measuring grants received per inhabitant. This top placement among recipients should be used to focus on the green energy transition, comments the Minister of Higher Education and Science.

“We must dare to have the courage to prioritise, focus and let it reflect what political goals we have for our society. Research in the green energy transition is a very strong ambition of this government,” said Ane Halsboe-Jørgensen to the Danish publication PolicyWatch.

Research funds to floating wind turbines

One example of a project that has received a grant is Corewind. The project is working to improve the solutions for mooring of floating offshore wind turbines. The floating offshore wind turbines can be installed at greater depths than the 20-45 metres, which are the usual depths for solid-ground turbines and therefore enable further distribution of wind energy. Corewind has a budget of 5 million euros and consist of a partnership between the Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Ramboll, Equinor and 11 other partners.

“What is missing in order for floating wind power to become commercially viable is more volume and competition, so the technology can become cheaper. It is in this context that Corewind and other projects play a role. It's about raising the level of knowledge and improving production,” said Henrik Bredmose, professor at DTU to PolicyWatch.

-Related news: Danish researchers create worldwide solar energy model

The current inventory shows Denmark's return from Horizon 2020 calculated five years into the programme's seven-year lifespan. Horizon 2020 runs from 2014-2020.

Sources

PolicyWatch (in Danish)
Danish Ministry of Higher Education and Science (in Danish)

Photo: Chris Liverani at Unsplash.com

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