The link between energy efficiency and CO2

When you save power, you save CO2. In Denmark, electricity production accounts for 40% of the country’s carbon footprint so there are good reasons for saving.

Electricity produced from coal
Seen in an international context, the Danish electricity sector has a high level of CO2 emissions per inhabitant. This is because half of the country’s electricity generation is coal-fired, and fossil fuel is associated with a high level of CO2 emissions. This is why Denmark is noticeably different from its Nordic neighbours, which produce a great deal of hydroelectric power.

In other words, Denmark is facing an energy challenge – despite the fact that Danish power stations are energy efficient, and that around 20% of the electricity generated in Denmark is produced by wind turbines.

Reducing electricity consumption is vital for the climate
Power stations are allocated CO2 quotas based on a system which prioritises the limitation of CO2 emissions by power stations. Therefore, the environmental benefits of saving electricity have already been factored into the total environmental account.

If the EU and Denmark are to achieve their climate targets, it is imperative that we either use electricity much more efficiently, or that energy consumption falls significantly below the figure envisaged under the quota system.

CO2 neutral power or destruction of CO2 quotes
You can buy CO2-free power which is typically produced by wind or hydro power generators. However, this does not automatically result in an expansion of CO2-neutral power production because unused CO2 quotas can be sold on to other power producing companies instead.

If you want to make sure that you play a part in reducing total CO2 emissions you must purchase and destroy CO2 quotas (permits) at the same time as saving energy. Some energy supply companies offer to buy and destroy a number of CO2 quotas equal to your consumption of electricity. At the same time, you can opt for a supply company which also increases the proportion of renewable energy and therefore minimises the demand for fuel.

Page last updated 24.02.2011