Jan 2, 2020 - Energy & Climate

Denmark generated almost half of its electricity from wind in 2019

Jacob Knutson

Wind turbines in the Baltic Sea. Photo: Patrick Pleul/picture alliance via Getty Images

Wind power accounted for a record 47% of the electricity consumed in Denmark in 2019, up from 41% in 2018 and 43% in 2017, Reuters reports.

Why it matters: The country’s grid operator Energinet said Thursday that cost reductions and improved offshore turbines contributed to the boost.

Context: Denmark started investing in wind technology in the 1970s, has favorable windy conditions and is home to turbine producer Vestas and Orsted, the world’s largest developer of offshore wind farms.

The big picture: European countries are the world's leading producers of wind power. Denmark generates the most wind power, followed by Ireland, which sourced 28% of its power from wind in 2018, according to WindEurope.

What's next: Denmark hopes to curb its greenhouse gas emissions by 70% and source 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2030.

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Denmark generated almost half of its electricity from wind in 2019

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