The OPEC oil shock of the early 1970s forced Denmark to transition its energy sources for heat, power and mobility services away from fossil fuels and towards energy independence and resilience. 

 

How?

 

The Danish government mandated the minimisation of carbon fuel input for a given output of heat or power (Energy as a Service).

 

Renewable energy and Combined Heat and Power projects at community level were developed through blended finance (public/mutual). A network of community micro-grids has evolved organically, thereby creating a distributed Natural Grid which mobilises Denmark’s natural energy resources. 

 

 

Outcomes

 

A distributed, resilient and sustainable low carbon Natural Grid has seen a massive development in Danish skills base, technology and exports. while GDP doubled.