In the past year, from November 2024 to October 2025, Denmark has demonstrated a strong commitment to low-carbon electricity. More than half of its electricity consumption, approximately 74%, comes from low-carbon sources. Most notable among these is wind power, which accounts for almost half of Denmark's electricity. Solar and biofuels also contribute significantly, producing around 11% and 13% respectively. Net imports from neighboring countries increase the green mix by an additional 16%. Despite this clean energy prowess, close to 10% of Denmark’s electricity consumption still relies on fossil fuels, with coal and gas making minor but concerning contributions. Transitioning away from these fossil sources is crucial in avoiding climate change and ensuring air quality.
Data sources used on this page include EIA, ENTSOE, Eurostat, IEA and World Bank. More about data sources →
Is Electricity Growing in Denmark?
Over the past decades, Denmark’s electricity consumption has seen a marked decrease, not yet recovering to its heyday in 1996 when consumption peaked at 10,181 kWh per person. The latest figures for 2025 stand at 6,484 kWh per person, indicating a drop of almost 3,700 units. This decline in total consumption is mirrored in the realm of low-carbon electricity as well. The latest per person low-carbon generation is 4,797 kWh, slightly down by 238 units compared to the previous year. This stagnation in the growth of low-carbon electricity is disappointing, as it demonstrates the need for Denmark to refocus its strategies to ensure a sustainable and secure energy future.
Suggestions
To bolster its clean electricity capacity, Denmark should expand its robust wind and solar sectors. These technologies already make up a major part of its energy portfolio. Furthermore, Denmark could learn from regions that have excelled in low-carbon generation. For instance, Iowa leads in wind energy contribution, generating 60% of its electricity from this source. Concurrently, Denmark should not overlook the substantial role nuclear energy can play, as countries like France and Slovakia effectively utilize it for 69% and 67% of their electricity respectively. Leveraging a combination of increased wind, solar, and nuclear energy will solidify Denmark’s position as a leader in clean electricity production.
History
Denmark has a rich history of advancing in low-carbon electricity generation, especially with wind energy. In the late 1990s and 2000s, Denmark consistently increased its wind capacity, notably adding 0.9 to 1.2 TWh almost annually, including an impressive 2 TWh in 2011 and 2.3 TWh in 2019. The early 2010s also saw a lift in biofuels, adding 1.3 TWh in 2010 and further expansion in 2017 and 2020. The surge continued with solar energy in 2023, contributing an additional 1.2 TWh. However, setbacks have also occurred, such as the decline of 1.4 TWh in wind in 2016 and again in 2025. Despite these fluctuations, Denmark's trajectory offers an encouraging framework for prioritizing clean electricity moving forward.
