Learning From Denmark: An Energy Transition Journey
Published October 31, 2023 by Melissa Raju
The Trade Council of Denmark in North America – Energy and Environment recently hosted a few US-Denmark Green Hydrogen Alliance members from the US and Canada to explore the Danish energy sector firsthand.
The trip was more than just a fact-finding journey, it transformed into a comprehensive crash course on the intricacies of the energy transition and how Denmark, a global forerunner in energy is actively establishing partnerships with key countries for emission reductions.
“It was a humbling experience meeting like-minded colleagues from US and Canada with a common mission to collaborate on accelerating our energy transition goals,” said Sara Muhammad Malik, Sr. Director, Global Energy Transition, Greater Houston Partnership.
The primary purpose of this visit was to gain insight on Denmark’s pioneering energy transition initiatives and exploring various projects led by Danish companies like Maersk, Rambøll, Topsoe, Ørsted, Energinet, European Energy, GreenLab, Green Hydrogen Systems and Stiesdal.
A few highlights from the delegation included:
- Visiting A.P. Moller – Maersk’s headquarters and learning about their mission to decarbonize the shipping industry and e-fuels.
- Meeting Green Hydrogen Alliance members Topsoe and Ramboll, discussing the future of energy, the role of Power-to-X in the energy transition and public and private knowledge sharing in the energy industry.
- Experiencing Danish technology up close during a site visit to Alliance member Ørsted’s H2RES project – exploring how to pair offshore wind with hydrogen production.
- Visiting Amager Bakke (partnership between Ramboll and Copenhagen-based utility) to produce electricity and district heating for homes and companies in the Danish capital from waste.
Overall, the journey to Denmark provided a unique perspective on the energy transition. By exchanging knowledge and engaging in discussions on the present and future of energy across the Atlantic, we can make a joint solid foundation for creating the best conditions for collaboration and developing a sustainable energy sector.
As Houston looks to lead the global energy transition, the lessons learned from Denmark will undoubtedly inspire the region’s path to build a more sustainable energy landscape.