Energy Governance in Denmark

Historically, Danish energy governance has been characterized by not-for-profit principles, energy security, and energy efficiency, which have guided individual policy instruments. Moreover, many energy companies are owned by municipalities or by the consumers, for example, through cooperatives. Indeed, the municipalities have a strong role in Danish energy governance. However, national energy agencies are important in this multilevel governance structure, especially with increased focus on liberalization and where renewable energies are playing a bigger role in energy production. Indeed, the legacy of wind energy and Denmark’s forerunner position in renewable energies are crucial for Danish energy policies and politics today, especially in relation to the challenges Denmark faces in order to achieve a fully decarbonized economy by 2050. Indeed, there is a national climate change consensus across all areas of society from the electorate, businesses, and all political parties, yet there is no consensus on how to reach a low-carbon economy by 2050, which is evident in the lack of sector integration in, for example, transport. This chapter brings together the legacy of Danish wind energy and multilevel governance to discuss the current challenges facing Danish energy governance relating to decarbonization of the economy.