Charlotte Gjedde, Executive Director of State of Green—Denmark’s official green transition partnership—told an Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent that the technologies needed to reduce emissions and strengthen energy security are already available, stating that the priority is to implement these technologies more rapidly.
Stating that the focus at COP31 needs to shift from setting new targets to implementing existing climate commitments, Gjedde said, “Translating climate goals into concrete projects and infrastructure must remain high on the agenda.”
Gjedde stated that energy security, the financing of the green transition, and the mobilization of private sector investments should be among the conference’s priorities.
Stating that energy security would be one of the important and timely topics at COP31, Gjedde said, “The green transition means more secure and more cost-effective energy.”
Gjedde noted that renewable energy, energy efficiency, electricity grids, and electrification would play a central role in achieving this goal.
Emphasizing that each country’s energy transition will follow a different path, Gjedde highlighted that Denmark’s experience nonetheless holds important lessons that can be transferred to other countries.
Gjedde stated, “There is no one-size-fits-all path to the green transition. Long-term and stable policy frameworks, strong public-private partnerships, and a holistic approach encompassing the entire energy system can help countries accelerate the transition process.”
Stating that the green transition should be viewed not merely as a climate strategy but also as an economic opportunity, Gjedde said, “Instead of regarding sustainability and growth as competing priorities, countries can leverage the green transition as an opportunity to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels, create new industrial sectors, and enhance long-term economic resilience.”
Gjedde stated that Denmark has become a global leader in wind energy thanks to long-term investments and policy support, noting that the country established the world’s first commercial offshore wind farm in 1991 and today generates approximately 60 percent of its electricity from onshore and offshore wind turbines.
Highlighting Denmark’s long coastline, favorable wind conditions, and long-term approach to innovation, Gjedde stated that these factors have enabled the emergence of a wind energy ecosystem comprising approximately 500 companies and 33,500 employees.
Gjedde explained that Denmark’s journey to becoming a global leader in renewable energy began following the oil crisis of the 1970s, noting that the country was heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels at the time.
Stating that the oil crisis prompted the adoption of a long-term strategy focused on diversifying energy sources, increasing energy efficiency, and expanding domestic energy production, Gjedde noted that Denmark has since implemented numerous reforms, including carbon taxes, a ban on new coal-fired power plants, and a legally binding climate law mandating a 70 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
Gjedde observed, “The defining characteristic of the transformation was the strong collaboration between the public and private sectors. While governments ensured long-term policy predictability, companies developed the technology and innovations needed to achieve the goals.”
Source: AA
