Ambitious aims
The energy policy will demonstrate Denmark's commitment to responsible energy policy as the host of the

”Action is needed everywhere. It must permeate our entire society. From the way in which we build houses, how we light our homes and where the heat in the radiator comes from, to whether cars run on wind turbine power or old ‐ fashioned petrol. It has importance for industry, for institutions and for every citizen," says Minister for Climate and Energy, Connie Hedegaard.

Multiple initiatives
The energy agreement includes establishing new offshore wind farms generating a further 400 MW of clean electricity, tax‐exempting cars using hydrogen as fuel as well as electric cars up to 2012, and the provision of state funding for research into electric vehicles, solar energy and wave power.

Learning from the past
The oil crisis in 1973 had a lasting influence on energy policy in Denmark. The government of the day recognised the supply security risk of continued dependence on oil from areas of political uncertainty, and instituted far‐sighted plans for energy self‐sufficiency in the long term. One notable result is that Denmark took the lead on wind energy in the 1980s and has maintained it ever since.

Playing a global role
Today, energy supply security is still a high priority issue, now accompanied by the added threats of climate change and the pressing need to reduce CO2 emissions.

With the energy policy and the technologies that Denmark has developed over 30 years, as well as its active role putting energy issues on the agenda of the EU, Denmark is well positioned for a leading role in finding solutions and providing a model that can serve as inspiration for countries worldwide.