[INTERVIEW] Denmark leads the way in green transition

Danish Ambassador to Korea Einar Jensen introduces the country's leading wind power technology during an interview with The Korea Times at the Embassy of Denmark in central Seoul, May 25. Korea Times photo by Choi Won-suk

By Kwon Mee-yoo

With the effects of climate change now visibly and tangibly affecting the daily lives of people around the globe, sustainability is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. The Northern European country of Denmark is rising as a model case for countering climate change while securing economic growth.

"Sustainability has always been a keyword for Denmark. The government upholds sustainability as one of its core values, and takes a crosscutting approach to mainstreaming it across all sectors. Nobody can solve climate issues on their own ― we need to do it all together," Danish Ambassador to Korea Einar Jensen said during an interview with The Korea Times at the country's embassy, May 25.

Denmark aims to build the world's first energy island and usher in a new era for offshore wind production. The islands are expected to play a major role in the phasing-out of fossil fuel energy sources in Denmark and Europe. Courtesy of the Danish Ministry of Climate, Energy and Utilities

First and fast mover in green transition

Denmark is one of the first movers in green energy with more than 40 years under its belt. On a windy day, Denmark now gets more than 100 percent of its national electricity through renewable energy. It plans to produce 100 percent of its daily electricity with renewable sources by 2028.

"We have already come quite a long way to self-sufficiency. As of today, about 70 to 80 percent of our electricity comes from renewable sources. Fifty percent is from wind and the rest is from biomass, biogas and solar. About 20 percent is from fossil fuels, but this continues to be on the decrease. So renewables take up the biggest portion and this is just the beginning," Jensen said.

Denmark's prime minister recently hosted the North Sea Summit, where a number of European countries pledged to ramp up renewable energy production in the North Sea. The goal is to reach 150 gigawatts (GW) of offshore wind energy by 2050. Denmark envisions it will be able to deliver half of all green energy needed to reach the European Union's climate neutrality goals by 2050.

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"The Russian invasion of Ukraine and the impact this had on oil has once again shown the world the importance of transitioning away from fossil fuels. As a trailblazer in offshore wind, Denmark is now more than ever dedicated to starting the next chapter of offshore wind production: energy islands," he said.

Denmark is currently undertaking the biggest construction project in its history of building two artificial islands for offshore wind energy production. The plan is to start with a 3GW capacity that can power 3 million homes, then scale up to 10GW, which will meet 150 percent of its domestic electricity needs.

A de facto green giant, Denmark sees Korea has similar potential. Korea still has a long way to go in achieving its ambitious target to reduce carbon emissions by 40 percent from 2018 levels by 2030, but Ambassador Jensen said its future is bright.

"Back in the 1990s, (the ratio of renewable energy in Denmark's energy mix) was 5 percent, like Korea now is at 5 percent. It took us 25 years to move that far, but Korea will be able to do it a lot faster. At the time, renewable energy was much more expensive than fossil fuels. Today, it is price competitive and the technology has also come a long way."

Korea has many companies that can be easily incorporated into the supply chain for offshore wind, as indicated in this infographic. Courtesy of Embassy of Denmark in Korea

Good match in innovation

Denmark is also more than ready to share its knowhow in increasing renewable energy in its energy mix. Ambassador Jensen highlights the importance of cooperating closely with members of the public as well as the private sector, as the government cannot move forward on its own in green transition.

"What we found in Denmark is that you need an open and honest dialogue with local communities, local governments, experts and civil society. An open dialogue on the benefits and opportunities can turn hearts," he said.

Jensen gave an example of the Danish port of Esbjerg, a fishing port in the North Sea now transformed into a hub for offshore wind farms.

"As the fishing vessels got larger, many fishermen were laid off. The offshore wind industry has provided new employment opportunities with a much higher salary than before. What happened at Esbjerg could happen in Ulsan, Mokpo or Gunsan. Korea's advantage is that you already have a well-developed supply chain (to engage in offshore wind), including shipbuilders, tower, foundation and cable companies," the ambassador said.

With green technology taking up a meaningful portion of Denmark's labor market and exports, Denmark is certain of the impact on job creation and economic opportunities provided by going green.

"Somebody has to take the lead in Asia ― somebody eventually will. Korea is already so well equipped to take this opportunity," he said. "With the power of Korean industry and the Danish experience in green transition, it will only take two countries to power the world with green energy. The future belongs to renewables, so you'll need to act fast for first mover advantage."

With Korea and other countries increasingly turning to developing their wind industries, the ambassador also points to the prospects of green investments.

"This week, the Danish climate ambassador will be visiting Korea with green financing as one of his main agenda (items). In Denmark, these are seen as good investment options, both for private and public entities. Not only are investments flowing to a more sustainable future, they are sometimes even outperforming investments into traditional energy projects. Going green is good business," Jensen said.