Denmark’s Wind Adventure: Policies That Turned a Hobby Project into Big Business

Denmark, the cradle of modern-day wind turbine technology. How did the Danish experiment evolve from a countryside hobby project to a high-tech billion-euro industry? And which role is the wind industry expected to have toward net-zero? Today, Denmark has a target of 70% reduction in its greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 compared to 1990 levels, and by 2050, the country aims to reach net-zero emission. Both targets are legally binding and to reach them will require efforts to co-exist with neighboring communities and nature as well as continued investments in R&D, infrastructure, tender models, and projects. The overarching factor in securing success: Public support. In Denmark, the bulk of the population supports the shift to a more sustainable, net-zero economy. Historical factors as well as socioeconomic benefits and security of supply form a solid foundation, but political initiatives such as compensation schemes and health studies also play a role. The groundwork for the massive public support for wind energy in Denmark was laid in the 1970s by a popular movement of grassroot organizations, academics, engineers, and individual entrepreneurs establishing a license to operate at citizen level. The public support has since paved the way for politicians and companies to mature and scale the Danish wind industry through subsidies, R&D support, and transparent legal frameworks. The public support has been underpinned by socioeconomic benefits such as job creation, reliable and affordable green electricity, as well as political initiatives such as health studies and compensation schemes. In fact, today, the Danish wind industry directly employs 2.3% of the private workforce in Denmark and represents 4% of the Danish BNP (2020 numbers). Looking toward the future, sustainable fuels are an important catalyst for lowering the cost of renewable energy. Investments in this area, combined with incentives for the public to take an active part in the electrification of our society, are thus important steps to take for both companies and politicians. It will ensure continued support from the public for a transition toward a green society.