21 February 2012: The International Energy Agency (IEA) has published a report titled “Energy Policies of IEA Countries – Denmark,” which highlights Denmark’s long-term energy goal of becoming independent of fossil fuel use by 2050, but notes that challenges remain in implementing its ambitious goals.

The report has sections on: general energy policy including chapters on energy and climate change and energy efficiency; sector analysis including chapters on renewable energy, electricity and fossil fuels; and energy technology containing a chapter on energy technology research, development and deployment. The report also sees a role for Denmark in leading the EU to complete its Energy Efficiency Directive, which would see the level of energy consumption reduced by 20% by 2020.

The report highlights the 2011 publication of Denmark’s Energy Strategy 2050, which sets out ambitious targets aimed at transforming the country into a “low-carbon society with a stable and affordable energy supply.” However, it notes challenges associated with this strategy, including a large reconfiguration of the electricity network in order to meet 50% electricity supply from renewable energy sources by 2020.

It recommends that Denmark: develop training and educational capacity to ensure access to a qualified labour and research community with skills in, among others, manufacturing of low‐carbon technologies; strengthen relationships with neighbouring countries and international bodies to enhance regional energy security; and develop a “reporting mechanism to regularly monitor and evaluate progress of the medium‐term implementation of Energy Strategy 2050.” [IEA Press Release] [Website for Energy Policies of IEA Countries – Denmark] [Publication: Executive Summary for Energy Policies of IEA Countries – Denmark]