As preparations continue for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP31), Denmark is calling for a stronger focus on implementing existing climate commitments rather than setting new ambitions.
Speaking to Anadolu, Executive Director of Denmark's official green transition partnership, State of Green, Charlotte Gjedde, said the technologies needed to reduce emissions and strengthen energy security are already available, and the priority should now be accelerating their deployment.
"Our expectation for COP31 is that the focus moves even further from ambition-setting to implementation. Turning climate targets into tangible projects and infrastructure should remain high on the agenda," she said.
Gjedde said energy security, financing the green transition and mobilizing private investment should rank among the conference's top priorities.
"We see energy security being an important and relevant theme for COP31. The green transition means more secure and more affordable energy," she said, adding that renewable energy, energy efficiency, electricity grids and electrification will be central to achieving that goal.
- "There is no one-size-fits-all pathway to the green transition"
While stressing that every country's energy transition will follow a different path, Gjedde said Denmark's experience offers several transferable lessons.
"There is no one-size-fits-all pathway to the green transition," she said. "But long-term and stable policy frameworks, strong public-private partnerships and a holistic approach to the entire energy system can help countries accelerate progress."
She added that the green transition should be viewed not only as a climate strategy but also as an economic opportunity.
"Rather than viewing sustainability and growth as competing priorities, countries can use the green transition to strengthen energy security, reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, create new industries and build long-term economic resilience," she said.
- Wind power at the center of the transition
Denmark has also emerged as a global leader in wind energy after decades of consistent investment and policy support.
The country built the world's first commercial offshore wind farm in 1991 and today generates nearly 60% of its electricity from onshore and offshore wind turbines.
Gjedde said Denmark's extensive coastline, favorable wind conditions and long-term commitment to innovation helped create a wind energy ecosystem comprising around 500 companies and 33,500 employees.
- Five decades of policy consistency
Denmark's transition into a global renewable energy leader began after the 1970s oil crisis, when the country was heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels. The crisis prompted a long-term strategy focused on diversifying energy sources, improving efficiency and expanding domestic energy production.
Since then, Denmark has introduced a series of reforms, including carbon taxes, a ban on new coal-fired power plants and a legally binding Climate Act targeting a 70% cut in greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.
"The key characteristic of the transition has been the strong collaboration between public and private partners, with governments providing long-term policy certainty while companies deliver the technologies and innovations needed to reach the targets," Gjedde said.
By Humeyra Ayaz
Anadolu Agency
energy@aa.com.tr