Denmark needs to set renewable heating targets, says report

In a news item by the Danish Board of District Heating (DBDH), Denmark’s Environmental Economic Council has called on Danish politicians to set long-term and credible targets to boost the use of renewables in the country’s heating network.

According to a report released on March 1, the Council is cited to have said that District Heating companies face high costs converting energy systems to renewable energy, totalling about EUR 2.1 million (DKK 16 million) annually. This is believed to be mainly due to the low prices of fossil fuels and CO₂, and high cost of renewable technology development. As a result, said the DBDH news report, the green transition, which has seen Denmark boost renewable heat from 45% in 2005 to more than 58% last year, mainly through using wood pellets rather than oil, requires large investment.

The Council is said to have highlighted that there is a need for clear policy objectives and targets at both the EU and national level to keep costs down, while conversions are carried out.

The view was reportedly echoed by Danish District Heating Association, Dansk Fjernvarme’s Policy Chief, Rune Moesgaard.