Danish wind power policy: domestic and international forces

Abstract

Denmark is a windy, low-lying country with a very long coastline where global warming, rising sea levels and renewable energy are serious national issues. Renewable energy in Denmark is primarily wind power, a traditional and popular energy source. Until 2001, Danish energy policy was largely synonymous with environmental policy, based on a broad popular and political consensus. A European Commission survey published in January 2007 showed 93% of the population supported renewable energy sources (EWEA News Release 2007). However, political developments since 2001 have created a crisis for Danish wind power (see Toke 2002). This period has also seen greater interaction between domestic and international forces.

Keywords:

• Denmark
• wind power
• COP15
• Vestas
• Svend Auken