Not quite Scotland’s goal of 100% renewable energy by 2025, but still a highly ambitious one (relative to other countries), Denmark’s newest renewable energy target proposals aim to have wind supplying it with half of its electricity by 2020, and renewable energy supplying it with ALL of its energy by 2050. And all of its power and heat would come from renewables by 2035.

Today, Denmark gets 20% of its power from wind turbines, and it is known as a world leader in renewable energy.

“This is an historical effort to become even better at saving energy and create an even more competitive and energy-effective company culture in Denmark, also for households,” Minister for Climate, Energy and Building Martin Lidegaard said.

More good news for us is that Denmark will also be taking over presidency of the European Union in January (for 6 months) and that will give it more leverage in promoting strong climate change and clean energy action.

Denmark’s Energy Mix

While Denmark is a wind energy leader, it still gets a lot of its electricity from coal (the dirtiest major source of energy in the world), as it has almost no hydroelectric power (and no nuclear). In 2010, the country got 44% of its electricity from coal.

Denmark’s leaders not that a ‘quick’ switch to renewable energy is not only because of environmental concerns — it is also considered good policy because of the financial risks of staying reliant on dirty energy sources.

“The conclusion being it has a cost to make a green transformation, but it also has a cost not to do it,” Lidegaard said. “I think this will work out to be the best insurance Denmark has ever (bought).”

The proposal will address 3 major crises, according to its backers — an economic and financial crisis, a climate change crisis, and a natural resources crisis. “This proposal will address all three crises.”