Denmark’s renewable revolution: A model for global sustainability

Denmark’s renewable revolution: A model for global sustainability | Photo: Febiyan

In the windswept fields of Jutland, Denmark, a quiet revolution is powering the future. Wind turbines, owned not just by corporations but by local communities, hum steadily, generating over 50% of the nation’s electricity. This is no accident, it’s the result of decades of deliberate public-private partnerships (PPPs) that have made Denmark a global leader in renewable energy. As the world grapples with the urgent need to achieve the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 7 (SDG 7), ensuring access to affordable, reliable, and clean energy, Denmark’s model offers a blueprint, but also a warning: success requires collaboration, innovation, and resilience against global headwinds.

A cooperative powerhouse

Denmark’s wind energy sector is a triumph of inclusive innovation. Nearly half of the country’s wind turbines are owned by local cooperatives, ensuring that profits flow back to communities through dividends, jobs, and energy security. In 2024, renewables accounted for 88.4% of Denmark’s net electricity generation, with wind alone contributing nearly 60% in 2023.

The nation is on track to hit 100% renewable electricity by 2026, a milestone driven by policies that align government incentives, private investment, and citizen participation.

This cooperative model is not just about economics, it’s about equity. “When people own the turbines, they own the future,” says Maria Jensen, a member of a wind cooperative in Thisted. “We’re not just consumers; we’re stakeholders.” This sense of ownership has fostered public support, countering the resistance often seen in other nations where renewable projects are perceived as corporate land grabs.

Pioneering new frontiers

Denmark’s ambition extends beyond wind. A groundbreaking project in Jutland, led by Eurowind Energy and Edora, integrates a data center into a renewable energy park powered by wind turbines, solar panels, and a battery energy storage system (BESS). With 3.6 MW of wind, 8 MW of solar, and 10.8 MW/43.2 MWh of storage, the project aims to decarbonize the energy-hungry tech sector, addressing the skyrocketing demands of AI and cloud computing. By opening the park to other data center operators, Eurowind is setting a new standard for green digitalization, proving that sustainability and innovation can coexist.

Meanwhile, in Ballerum, Thisted, Copenhagen Energy and local distributor Thy-Mors Energi are developing a 100 MW solar-plus-storage project, diversifying Denmark’s renewable mix. This initiative, part of a 2.6 GW storage pipeline, underscores the role of local partnerships in scaling clean energy. “Solar is our next frontier,” says Lars Pedersen, a project manager at Thy-Mors Energi. “Wind paved the way, but storage and solar will make us unstoppable.”

Global challenges on the horizon

Yet, Denmark’s renewable revolution faces headwinds. Recent U.S. policy changes, including a presidential decree targeting renewable energy subsidies, have sent shockwaves through the industry. Danish wind giants Ørsted and Vestas saw stock prices plummet, with Vestas losing 8% in a single day. The decree, which redefines project initiation dates for tax credits, threatens the financing of wind projects globally, exposing Denmark’s reliance on international markets.

Closer to home, competition from Chinese manufacturers is squeezing Denmark’s wind industry. “We’re innovating, but we’re not competing on a level playing field,” warns Erik Knudsen, a policy analyst at the Danish Wind Energy Association. Calls for stronger EU protections are growing, with Denmark leveraging its 2025 EU Council presidency to advocate for green competitiveness. Climate and Energy Minister Lars Aagaard argues that energy independence through renewables is not just a climate strategy but a geopolitical necessity.

A global blueprint with local roots

Denmark’s success hinges on its ability to align economic incentives with environmental goals. Its PPP model, combining government policies, private capital, and community ownership, offers lessons for the world. Developing nations, where energy access remains a challenge, could adapt Denmark’s cooperative approach to build inclusive renewable systems. However, scalability is not guaranteed. Regulatory complexity, high initial costs, and cultural differences pose barriers to replicating this model elsewhere.

As Denmark prepares to host a roundtable on sustainable building during London Climate Action Week 2025, its message is clear: green competitiveness is the future. By showcasing its renewable energy model, Denmark aims to inspire global action on SDG 7. Yet, the path forward requires navigating geopolitical risks and ensuring that the benefits of clean energy reach all corners of society.

The road ahead

Denmark’s renewable revolution is a beacon of hope, but it’s not a panacea. The nation must diversify its renewable portfolio, strengthen global partnerships, and address external pressures to maintain its edge. For the rest of the world, Denmark’s story is a call to action: sustainable progress demands collaboration, courage, and a commitment to equity.

As the turbines spin in Jutland, they power more than just homes, they power a vision of a cleaner, fairer world. The question is whether the global community can harness the same winds of change.

Sources: Eurowind Energy press releases, Copenhagen Energy project updates, social media posts on Danish renewable energy statistics, and Danish Wind Energy Association statements.