Denmark targets 100% renewables by 2050

Denmark’s entire energy needs, including transport, are to be met by renewable technologies by 2050

The targets outlined in the Danish government’s Our Future Energy strategy aim to drastically cut Denmark’s reliance on oil and gas. If successful, the plans would lead to a 80-95% reduction in the country’s total greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels.

A key stage is to increase wind energy capacity in order for it to provide 50% of the country’s electricity by 2020. Other milestones include phasing out oil and coal by 2030 and providing an entirely renewable electricity and heat supply by 2035. Lastly, all transport and industry will be converted to renewables before 2050.

As well as wind power, a smart grid will be installed, and biogas, geothermal and wave power will all be expanded to meet the targets.

Danish minister for climate, energy and building, Martin Lidegaard, said: “Denmark will once again be the global leader in the transition to green energy. This will prepare us for a future with increasing prices for oil and coal. Moreover, it will create some of the jobs that we need so desperately, now and in the coming years.”

In separate news, Denmark has been declared the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report, which was commissioned for the United Nations conference on happiness in New York on 2 April 2012. Researchers found that more than anywhere else, Danish people reported high levels of life satisfaction and happiness. The report attempts to illustrate the social, environmental, economic, cultural and other reasons behind this.

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