Wind energy hits new record in Denmark

New energy statistics have been published revealing that in 2017 wind turbines delivered the equivalent of 43.6 percent of Denmark’s total electricity consumption, hitting a new milestone for the clean energy transition in the country. 

The figures were released from danskenergi.dk, a Danish energy organisation showing that the total wind output reached approximately 14,700 gigawatt-hours (GWh).

The previous record was reported in 2015 when wind energy provided 42 percent of the country’s electricity needs. 

Denmark has been considered a pioneer in wind energy as in 2000, wind turbines were already providing more than 12 percent equivalent of the country’s annual electricity consumption. Despite the fact the share of wind energy in the country’s electricity supply has been steadily increasing, the number of wind turbines has been taking the opposite turn.

   

                                                    Image source danskenergi.dk

According to the latest statistics, today there are approximately 20 percent fewer wind turbines in Denmark than in 2001, the year in which, reportedly, the number of wind turbines peaked. Although the overall wind capacity has more than doubled since then- today the country has a capacity of approximately 5.3 gigawatts (GW), fewer but significantly bigger and more efficient turbines have managed to offer more with less.

Lars Aagaard, CEO of Dansk Energi, was pleased with the news explaining that Denmark’s wind sector proves that the energy transition is well on track. He added that what is left to be done is to make sure that this valuable source is optimally used, offering clean, cheap and stable power supply.

“Electricity must replace gasoline, oil, and gas”, he added.

By 2020, wind power is anticipated to provide more than 50 percent of Denmark’s electricity consumption. Including solar and biomass energy, renewable energy sources are expected to hold a share of 80 percent in the country’s electricity mix.