The answer is blowing in the wind
The impact of alternative energy in Copenhagen
Several factors are playing a significant role in shaping public opinion over the use of alternative energy sources. The ever-increasing global need for energy, limited oil and gas resources together with awareness of the effects of CO2 emission from burning fossil fuels has made this a grave cause of concern. The importance of finding alternative, sustainable and environmentally friendly sources of energy is therefore all to see.
Al Gore’s controversial documentary on the Earth’s climate crisis, “An Inconvenient Truth,” has provided many with a wake-up call. The film has had a big impact on CO2 emission discussions globally and any politician with ambition needs to have an agenda on the issue.
Denmark imported most of their oil and gas up until the 1980s when production finally exceeded domestic consumption. It was only as recent as the 1970s that, driven by several oil crises, potential alternatives began to be investigated. Given Denmark’s natural environment; plenty of wind, a long coastline and high agricultural development, three areas of renewable energy have attracted all the attention – wind power, wave energy and biogas. Of the three, use of wind power has been the most successful.
Wind power has been around for centuries – long before the discovery of the internal combustion engine –and continues to be used even though the industrial revolution made traditional windmills obsolete. Today Denmark is the biggest contributor to the global wind energy industry.
Local companies are being put under increasing public pressure and forced to demonstrate their environmental performance and use of alternative energy sources. Demand for full disclosure has resulted in a system of eco-labeling on consumer products thereby minimizing the use of potentially harmful chemicals in the production process. Green taxes on services such as water supply, house waste and cars are common and are no longer up for debate. They have simply become a way of life. It is therefore no surprise that Copenhagen is a leading force in alternative energy, especially wind turbines, helped of course by the weather since Denmark is a very windy place all year round.
In central Copenhagen it has become increasingly difficult to find decent parking, and if you are lucky enough to find a spot, you can expect to pay a high price! This is one way local authorities encourage people to use public transport. It is a common sight in Copenhagen to see politicians, including senior ministers leading the way by riding their bikes to and from Christiansborg Palace where the Danish Parliament is located.
Regulatory requirements on pollution reduction and cleanliness of basic resources like air, soil and water in Denmark are already amongst the strictest in the world. The most dominant alternative energy source is wind energy and ambitions are high with the goal to have 20 percent of Denmark’s energy use provided by wind turbines for 2008. In addition, the Danish government recently presented a plan to reduce fossil fuels by 15 percent and increase the amount of renewable energy to 30 percent by 2025.
Wind turbines are a common sight throughout Denmark’s countryside as well as in the area surrounding Copenhagen. A strip of majestic turbines stand tall along the line of Øresundsbroen, the bridge leading from Copenhagen to Sweden.
Copenhagen was recently given the honor of hosting the United Nations Climate Summit in 2009, one of the most important upcoming political meetings on climate change. The Danes, known for their environmentally friendly attitudes, have admitted that it could be easier for a small country to lead the way in addressing climate change but that won’t stop them trying to spread the message. Denmark is one of the few countries in the world that has managed to maintain economic growth without increasing energy consumption levels – a significant achievement by any standard.
The Danish political agenda is focused on reducing CO2 emissions not just locally but also on a global basis. The Danish Environment Minister Connie Hedegaard admits that the United States is the key player in getting the world back on track and has publicly stated that the 2009 meeting on climate change in Copenhagen will only be a success if the U.S. commits to reducing their CO2 emissions.
Vestas
Quality and innovation has made Vestas one of the world’s leading producers of wind technology. A Danish company, Vestas Wind Systems A/S, was founded in 1986 but had already delivered its first turbine to the U.S. in 1979. The company has more than 13,000 employees worldwide and owns 10,000 turbines distributed throughout 35 countries.
The trend for the future lies with offshore wind turbine parks. The world’s first wind power station was established in 2002, but by 1989 Denmark had already situated its first turbine in the sea. There are many advantages in placing these big electricity factories in the ocean where the wind blows at maximal speed. Also, the Danish public seems to approve of wind turbine energy as long as the turbines are not too visible and standing in their back yard! This is so important when you consider that the size and height of turbines are not getting any smaller. The only problem is that the cost and maintenance of offshore parks is estimated to be three times higher as compared to onshore sites.
When asked about the future of offshore parks Peter Wenzel Kruse, Vice President of Communications at Vestas asserts, “In the future, the majority of the action will take place on-shore at lower costs. Only a few players with limited capacity are active offshore. Vestas is number one commanding more than 50 percent of the world’s offshore market.”
On the topic of longevity of wind turbines, and whether they themselves can be recycled, Kruse continues, “Turbines are designed to last for 20 years. Modern Vestas’ turbines are energy neutral within six to eight months, i.e. it takes less than a year to generate an amount of energy that corresponds to the energy costs of manufacturing, transporting, installing and taking down turbines. Around 80 percent of the turbine is recyclable.”
One of the wind turbine elements easy to recycle are the blades, according to Jens Bagger, Global Service, LM Glasfiber, “The material used in producing the up to 61.5 meter long blades is glass fiber. Nowadays they can be recycled, chopped into pieces and used as components in septic tanks, fences, bridges and road coverage.”
Vestas understands the importance of spreading the news about wind energy to generations to come and have signed up with Danish toy giant LEGO. From June this year, the LEGO-Vestas Airport micro show named “Wind is Free” will be launched in the U.S. The show will open first in LAX (Los Angeles International Airport), and later in other selected major U.S., European and Asian airports. The idea is simply to increase knowledge about wind energy in a fun and easy to understand kind of way. Lego-built Vestas wind turbines will be showcased in different scenarios in categories including offshore, city, desert and factory surroundings.
It’s estimated that approximately 65 percent of the wind turbine world market is covered by Danish produced elements. Considering that this type of alternative energy is thought to be the future in its purest form, Denmark is likely to apply plenty of focus to maintain their position as the leading proponent of wind energy.
The answer surely is blowing in the wind - again.
November 2007