The Islands of the Future#

Denmark is a small country with a big idea.

It is a country that has embraced renewable energy with a passion and a purpose, and it is a country that is reaping the rewards of its investment. In 2022, renewable sources generated 81% of Denmark’s electricity, with wind and solar power alone supplying 50% of the country’s electricity [1]. The country is on track to achieve 100% renewable electricity by 2030 and complete independence from fossil fuels by 2050 [2].

At the heart of Denmark’s success is its commitment to a decentralized energy system. While other countries have focused on building large, centralized power plants, Denmark has focused on building a more distributed, more resilient, and more intelligent energy system.

The results are impressive. But the most inspiring examples of Denmark’s decentralized energy strategy are not to be found on the mainland, but on the small islands that dot its coastline.

Bornholm: A Living Laboratory#

Bornholm, an island in the Baltic Sea with a population of about 40,000, has become a living laboratory for the energy systems of the future. The island has its own microgrid, which is capable of operating independently from the main Danish grid. The microgrid is powered by a diverse mix of renewable energy sources, including wind, solar, and biogas [3].

The Bornholm microgrid is a model of efficiency and of resilience, a demonstration that it is possible to build a clean, reliable, and affordable energy system, one that is not dependent on fossil fuels or on a fragile and centralized grid.

Samsø: The 100% Renewable Island#

Samsø, a smaller island with a population of about 4,000, has gone even further. The island has achieved 100% renewable energy, and it is now a net exporter of clean energy to the rest of Denmark [4].

The story of Samsø is a story of community, of collaboration, and of a shared vision for a better future. It is a story of how a small island in the middle of the sea can become a beacon of hope for the rest of the world.

Lessons from the Islands#

The experience of Bornholm and Samsø offers a number of valuable lessons for other communities and regions that are looking to build a more resilient and sustainable energy future.

First, it shows that a rapid transition to renewable energy is possible. Denmark has shown that it is possible to decarbonize the electricity sector in a relatively short period of time, without sacrificing reliability or affordability.

Second, it shows that a decentralized energy system is a more resilient energy system. The microgrids on Bornholm and Samsø have shown that it is possible to build a more resilient and secure energy system, one that is not vulnerable to the shocks and disruptions of the 21st century.

Third, it shows that the transition to a clean energy economy can be a powerful engine of economic growth. Denmark’s investment in renewable energy has created thousands of jobs, it has spurred innovation, and it has made the country a global leader in the clean energy technologies of the future.

The path to a more resilient and sustainable energy future will not be easy. It will require a new way of thinking about energy, a new set of policies and regulations, and a new generation of technologies and business models. But as the experience of Denmark shows, it is a path that is both possible and desirable.

Sources: [1] State of Green, “Denmark’s Energy Resilience”, https://stateofgreen.com/en/perspectives/denmarks-energy-resilience/ [2] Wikipedia, “Energy in Denmark”, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Energy_in_Denmark [3] Microgrid Symposiums, “The Bornholm Island Microgrid”, http://www.microgrid-symposiums.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/09_02_02.pdf [4] Microgrid Projects, “Samsø Island Microgrid”, https://www.microgridprojects.com/project/samso-island-microgrid/