Denmark’s Renewable Energy Strategy and the 'Energy Positive' Island – Lessons for Ireland - Events - IIEA - The Institute of International and European Affairs

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About this Event

18 Apr 2011 @ 12:45

You can download the 2 presentations used here.

About the Speech:

Denmark’s energy policy has been remarkably successful. When the first oil crisis struck in 1973 Denmark was almost entirely dependent on imported fossil fuels. Modern Denmark has been transformed into a leader in renewables and the most efficient user of energy in Europe. A new clean energy industrial cluster has emerged and Denmark is now a key player in energy technology, a sector which more than tripled its exports between 1998 and 2008.

The IIEA was delighted to welcome two of Denmark’s thought leaders in the energy world, one of whom provided a broad strategic overview of these developments and plans, and another who provided a fascinating case study with clear implications for Ireland.

Professor Henrik Lund, from the Department of Development and Planning, in Aalborg spoke on the topic of Danish sustainable energy policy past and future: how to engage society? He was followed by Søren Hermansen, Director of Samsø Energy Academy & Adjunct Professor at Aalborg University, who spoke on the topic of Using Sustainable Energy for Regional Development, the case of Samsø, the 'Energy Positive' Island.

About the Speakers:

Professor Henrik Lund of Aalborg University is one of the world’s leading experts in the field of renewable energy. He is the author of a book entitled Renewable Energy Systems, which contextualizes renewable energy design efforts by addressing the socio-political challenge of implementing the shift to renewables. He is also Editor-in-Chief of Energy – The International Journal and associate editor of several other significant journals in the field, a consultant to leading international and Danish organizations, a teacher and author of many articles in the field of renewable energy systems.

Sören Hermansen, is Adjunct Professor at Aalborg University. He is an islander, born on Samsø, and describes himself as an educated farmer. He was the organisation leader of Samsø Energy and Environment organisation (SEEO)– Samsø, Denmark's 100% Renewable Energy Island, and from 2006 has been Director of Samsø Energy Academy. He has a background as a campaigner and developer of renewable energy projects in wind, solar, biomass, biofuels and transport.