Danish ministers hope the rest of Europe will follow its example in deriving power from renewable sources
Wind power is now the cheapest form of new electricity in Denmark, government officials have announced.
In 2013, one third of Denmark’s electricity came from wind power, and it is likely the renewable alternative will continue to grow in popularity with the decline in costs.
Onshore wind plants due online in 2016 will cost half the price of coal and natural gas plants. According to the national Energy Agency, wind power will now cost approximately four cents per kilowatt hour.
Commenting on the new analysis, Rasmus Petersen, Danish minister for energy, climate and buildings observed: “Wind power today is cheaper than other forms of energy, not least because of a big commitment and professionalism in the field. This is true both for researchers, companies and politicians.
“We need a long-term and stable energy policy to ensure that renewable energy, both today and in the future, is the obvious choice.”
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The EU Commission is pushing for member states to boost their share of renewable energy with the latest negotiations suggesting the bloc should set a 30% renewables target along with a 40% emission reduction goal.
Data released in March 2013 shows that renewable energy met 14.1% of the EU’s gross final energy consumption in 2012, with Denmark distinguishing itself as one of the bloc’s sustainable energy leaders. The Nordic nation increased its renewables share from 14.5% in 2004 to 26% in 2012.
Dominque Ristori, director general for energy at the European Commission, told The Climate Group in an exclusive interview that the EU’s new governance framework will grant more autonomy to member states regarding how they help meet the EU’s collective targets.
“They define their own plans and make choices compatible with national preferences, while at the same time ensuring market integration, competition, cost-efficiency and attainment of the agreed 2030 objectives,” the energy chief added.
This article was first published by The Climate Group
