Looking into the Danish energy system: Lesson to be learned by other communities

Industrialization, development and social transformation has brought together issues of over exploitation of limited energy resource base (e.g. fossil fuel), accelerated threats of energy insecurity, and liberation of greenhouse gas emissions across the continents. The global challenge for the 21st century and way ahead is to find other means of satisfying energy needs, diversifying the energy supply, up-scaling the make-up of renewable energy to a greater extent, optimization of energy consumption and supply system. Denmark has been continuously moving towards optimization of energy production, usage and its overall management, during and even after the first global oil crisis. The country has been delivering its priority in the development of renewable energy and standing the country an energy self sufficient from last three decades. Country's overall consumption of energy has decreased than that of the decades of 1980 and 1990s, with wider range of energy mix and saving options. The Danish government has strategized to make the country fossil fuel free by 2050, where special attention and interventions is required to boost up its development of renewable energy in the country. The past efforts of the Danish government in the energy development has helped not only making the country 'energy self sufficient', but also lowering the level of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. Danish energy policy and strategies have been found more conducive and reflective of the joint EU priorities on the matter of dealing with climate change and energy security. All the past progress and its allied policies seem to be quite supportive in fulfilling its strategies for greener future. This review paper will discuss on the past efforts of Danish government in energy management and highlights on some political initiatives, which have been realised to support the country moving towards clean and green energy future. (C) 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.