Low Carbon Power Generation
in Copenhagen
Wind power in Copenhagen
Denmark is a global leader in its commitment to wind energy. Wind power generation sites can be found throughout the country and wind power is a significant factor in Denmark's electricity supply — providing around 20% of it by 2007. Copenhagen is no exception, with turbine arrays in its harbour and on its shoreline.
Wind turbine technology has been developing steadily in Denmark since the 1980s. By 1st January 2009, the country had a generating capacity of 3,163MW, 423MW of which was provided by offshore installations. If you study the current
wind tubine map of Denmark, you will see that the country is dotted with them.
The largest wind power generation site in Copenhagen is the 20-turbine Middelgrunden offshore wind farm, which lies just offshore, not far from the city centre. It provides 4% of the electricity needs of the city. Other large arrays include the turbines that line the shore at Lynetten in the harbour and at Avedøre Holme to the south, both associated with power station complexes.
Ten of the Middelgrunden turbines are owned by a
co-operative in which citizens can buy shares, providing a level of public involvement in renewable energy. Some 8,500 individuals have purchased shares, at a rate of return of between 6-10% for the first six years of operation. This arrangement isn't unusual in Denmark — an estimated 150,000 Danish families (2005) have invested in similar wind projects.
Recent figures show that Denmark has more than 5,000 wind turbines, including eight offshore wind farms (to 2003). A further five are planned or under construction. The governing body for offshore wind power generation is the
Danish Energy Agency, which not only controls permits but keeps a careful watch on environmental impact issues as well .....
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Top links
Danish Energy Agency www.ens.dk
Energy statistics and indicators of energy efficiency, infrastructure maps
Danish Energy Agency — interactive map of turbines www.ens.dk/map
Map plot of every wind turbine in Denmark and you can zoom in on Copenhagen
How a wind turbine works http://news.bbc.co.uk
The BBC explains the principles and maps UK wind strengths
Middelgrundens Vindmøllelaug www.middelgrunden.dk
Home of the Middelgrunden Wind Turbine Cooperative
Lynettens Vindkraft I/S www.lynettenvind.dk
Production information for the onshore Lynetten turbines
(Danish only)
DONG Energy www.dongenergy.com
Predominantly state-owned power generation company, part-owner Middelgrunden
Danish Wind Industry Association www.windpower.org
Association of companies working in the industry
images courtesy Rambøll
sources and references see
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