http://www.windpower.org/media(207,1033)/wind_power_hub_pamphlet.pdf
Wind power has become a key technology in the global energy market. In 2004, wind power accounts for 20% of the Danish electricity consumption compared to 2.4% in Europe. A national energy agreement from March 2004 plans for another 400 MW offshore and 350 MW onshore.
DENMARK WILL BE POWERED BY 25% WIND GENERATED ELECTRICITY IN 2008. THE DANISH WIND INDUSTRY ASSOCIATION WORKS FOR A TARGET OF 35% BY 2015
DENMARK TODAY
Being the cradle of modern wind turbine industry in 1976, Denmark ranks among the top 5 markets in the world today. It is the centre of wind technology – the global wind power hub. Denmark has 5,500 wind turbines with a total capacity of 3,100 MW. 75% are privately owned and more than 100,000 Danes have invested in wind power. 86% Danes support wind energy and 68% favour further development
Denmark’s wind industry is a first mover, and the sector continues to achieve remarkable results. The Danish wind turbine manufacturers hold a world market share of approx. 40%. The industry employs 20,000 in Denmark alone. The manufacturers have a combined turnover of almost 3 billion euro. The Danish industry leads a new challenging market – wind turbines at sea. By 2003, global offshore installations had reached 530 MW – 492 MW were of Danish origin. The offshore market involves many different sectors from consulting engineers to companies with special vessels designed to transport, install and maintain the turbines. Danish companies have developed skills that give them a leading competitive edge.
The Danish industry leads a new challenging market – wind turbines at sea. By 2003, global offshore installations had reached 530 MW – 492 MW were of Danish origin. The offshore market involves many different sectors from consulting engineers to companies with special vessels designed to transport, install and maintain the turbines. Danish companies have developed skills that give them a leading competitive edge.
In Denmark, the industry benefits from the proximity and close cooperation with world-class researchers. Danish research institutions established the Danish Research Consortium for Wind Energy in 2002. The consortium comprises approx. 150 researchers working with meteorology, fatigue loads, aero- and structural dynamics, grid interaction etc. The research and business sectors have cooperated closely for 25 years creating an unrivalled cluster of knowledge.
Wind is a sensible choice from an economic perspective. Utility companies have discovered that wind is a safe investment. The fuel used in wind power production is free, whereas fossil fuel prices are volatile.
Over the last 25 years, the cost of producing one kWh from wind has been reduced by 80%, and cost reductions continue.
WIND TURBINES ON VERY GOOD SITES CAN ALREADY COMPETE WITH NEW COAL OR GAS FIRED POWER PLANTS ESTIMATIONS SHOW THAT WIND TURBINES CAN COMPETE ON MARKET TERMS IN 7 - 10 YEARS
Keep in mind that
Denmark is a small high-tech country with only 5,4 mullion people. The place where I grew up
Brain
Danish saying:
Everything south from Danish southern border is Africa