Denmark no longer self-sufficient in energy

Sustainable energy now accounts for almost a quarter of total energy consumed

For the first time in 18 years, Danish society is consuming more energy than its energy industry can produce, according to a new report from the energy authorities, Energistyrelsen.

The report (here in English) showed that the degree of self sufficiency fell to 93 percent in 2013 – the first time it has dropped below 100 percent since 1996.

“Since 2004, the degree of self-sufficiency has dropped due to falling production from the North Sea, and today Denmark consumes more energy than it produces,” Energistyrelsen noted in a press release.

READ MORE: Energy minister ready to scrap offshore wind farms

Topped in 2004
Danish energy production peaked in 2004 when it produced 56 percent more that it consumed, but production has steadily dropped since then, particularly due to dwindling oil production.

In 2013, the production of raw oil and natural gas fell by 13 percent and 17.7 percent respectively, while the production of sustainable energy increased by 2.7 percent compared to 2012.

Sustainable energy now accounts for almost a fifth of the total energy produced and a fourth of all energy consumed.





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