Denmark’s energy partnerships with public authorities in Mexico, Vietnam, South Africa and China will benefit the world’s climate and improve opportunities for Danish exports.
Danish expertise and energy solutions are in high demand all around the world, extending far beyond the mere installation of wind turbines and solar power plants. National energy systems must function consistently and deliver a continuous power supply – even when the wind is not blowing or the sun is not shining. The enormous scale of these systems makes them extraordinarily complex to design and implement, leading major emerging countries to seek Denmark’s assistance.
“Through these energy partnerships, we provide very tangible assistance to countries in support their green transition, while opening new doors for Danish companies and benefitting Danish exports. This creates Danish jobs and contributes to growth, prosperity and welfare in Denmark. The government is striving to make Denmark an export superpower in the energy industry. Our vision is to double energy technology exports, from approximately 70 billion kroner in 2015 to at least 140 billion kroner in 2030,” says Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate, Lars Christian Lilleholt.
The UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015 provide the first-ever global framework for green transitions – sparking massive investment worldwide and generating strong demand for the very technologies, solutions and services in which the Danish energy industry is the leading global supplier and exporter.
“In the government’s new development policy strategy, we have a special focus on climate and energy partnerships with public authorities in emerging and developing nations. This is an area where Denmark has something special to offer, and we must take advantage of this strength. We are contributing to realising the global ambitions of the Sustainable Development Goals for 2030, as well as those of the Paris Agreement. Such progress is needed more than ever before, and the Danish energy sector is a key part of the solution. Our knowledge and technology will provide key contributions to the nations of Mexico, Vietnam, South Africa and China – contributions that will benefit economic growth and development in these countries, the climate, and growth and employment in Denmark,” says Minister for Development Cooperation, Ulla Tørnæs.
The energy partnerships with Mexico, Vietnam, South Africa and China are expected to begin from July 2017.
About the energy partnerships
Denmark is entering into energy partnerships with selected emerging countries to support their green transition. Danish expertise in renewable energy and energy efficiency will help facilitate the green transition of these partner countries. A total of DKK 115m has been allocated for a three-year second phase of the partnerships with Mexico, Vietnam, South Africa and China. One energy advisor will be posted in Vietnam, South Africa and China, respectively, and two energy advisors will be posted in Mexico. The Danish Energy Agency will also be collaborating directly with these countries’ national authorities and providing expert technical assistance.
The programme’s funding is allocated as follows: DKK 25m for China, DKK 34m for Mexico, DKK 18m for South Africa and DKK 22m for Vietnam.
Danish exports of energy technology have grown consistently over the past 15 years, from DKK 27 billion in 2000 to DKK 71 billion in 2015. Denmark is the European leader (amongst EU15) in energy technology exports with an 11% share of the total of Danish Export. Exports of green energy technology in particular have grown in the past 15 years.
Press contact
Chris Hammeken, Danish Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Climate, tel. +45 41277294
Dorte Bryde, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Denmark, tel. +45 50778698