Denmark has achieved a remarkable milestone in its electricity sector, sourcing more than 82% of its electricity from low-carbon sources over the past year, spanning December 2024 to November 2025. This clean energy is primarily generated by wind power, which supplies more than half of the country's electricity, followed by biofuels at around 15% and solar energy contributing nearly 13%. The reliance on fossil fuels remains minimal, providing just over 10% of electricity, with coal and gas accounting for a small portion each. Furthermore, electricity imports constitute around 7% of Denmark's electricity mix. Successfully transitioning to a predominantly low-carbon electricity generation system represents a significant accomplishment in Denmark’s pursuit of sustainability. However, further progress is needed as Denmark aims to electrify other sectors like transport and heating, which will demand even more electricity in the future.
Data sources used on this page include ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Denmark?
Despite Denmark's achievements in clean electricity generation, the country's overall electricity consumption reveals a downtrend. The most recent data for 2025 indicates an electricity consumption of 5880 kWh per person. This figure is notably lower, by 4300 kWh per person, than the peak consumption recorded in 1996 when it was 10181 kWh per person. Furthermore, the generation of low-carbon electricity also saw a slight drop, with the recent measurement at 4860 kWh per person, which is 174 kWh lower than the previous record set in 2024. This stagnation in electricity consumption and a minor decline in low-carbon electricity generation are concerning, especially as Denmark plans to expand its electricity demand significantly in the coming years.
Suggestions
To address this challenge, Denmark can focus on increasing the generation of low-carbon electricity by expanding its already significant wind and solar capacities. The continuous enhancement of wind infrastructure will reinforce its leading position in Denmark's clean energy mix. Moreover, augmenting solar power installations can deliver significant additional electricity, benefiting from Denmark's technological advancements in solar generation. While the expansion of existing technologies is essential, Denmark should also consider integrating nuclear energy to secure a stable, reliable source of clean electricity. This strategy not only ensures sustainability but also aligns with Denmark's environmental goals by reducing reliance on fossil fuels, thereby mitigating climate change and air pollution.
History
Tracing the history of Denmark's low-carbon electricity development suggests a steady trajectory of growth driven by wind power, particularly since the late 1990s. Wind energy consistently expanded from an increase of approximately 1 TWh in years like 1998 and 2000 to significant growth of 2 TWh or more in the 2010s. The 2010s saw both wind and biofuels contribute notably, with biofuels showing a remarkable increase of 1.3 TWh in 2010 and another surge in 2017 with an additional 1.4 TWh. While wind energy saw fluctuations, including some minor declines in 2016 and 2018, significant growth is evident in recent years, especially with a substantial increase of 3 TWh in 2022. Solar energy also started contributing meaningfully in 2023 with an increase of 1.2 TWh, emphasizing its potential role in Denmark's energy future. This historical perspective highlights Denmark’s capability and dedication to expanding its clean energy infrastructure and provides strong impetus to further enhance these efforts by embracing nuclear solutions alongside wind and solar expansions to secure a sustainable energy future.
