The demand for green electricity is set to increase sharply in the coming decades, and production capacity will need to rise to match it. During 2023, Energy Modelling Lab participated in a series of meetings organised by the Danish Board of Technology to support local dialogue on the green transition, as part of the project “Fremtidens Grønne Energi og Borgerne” (Future Green Energy and the Citizens).
The meetings brought together citizens, local industry representatives and decision makers to discuss which solutions are suitable and feasible at the municipal level. Experience shows many citizens are knowledgeable and keen to engage, and dialogue can increase support for the changes the green transition entails.
In Vordingborg Municipality, we presented charts explaining the estimated increase in demand for green electricity, expected to rise by more than six times by 2050 due to a planned PtX facility at the harbour. We showed this demand could be met by a mix of new solar power, wind farms and other green energy sources, with planned onshore and offshore wind farms able to meet even a twelvefold rise in demand if all were installed.
In Kalundborg Municipality, we presented charts explaining the land use needed to produce 1 million MWh from different kinds of green energy production, set against the municipality’s total area, and showed that solar panels installed on the roofs of all buildings larger than 500 square metres could generate around 200,000 MWh, enough to meet 20% of estimated 2030 demand. A common obstacle to installing solar and wind facilities is the lack of support from local landowners and future neighbours; insight into the actual land use needed can help set realistic goals when planning future energy facilities.
Accessible charts translating electricity demand growth and land use requirements into clear visuals for public and stakeholder dialogue meetings in Vordingborg and Kalundborg.
Close collaboration with the Danish Board of Technology throughout the meeting series, tailoring the charts and messages to each municipality’s audience.
Supporting informed public dialogue on the green transition through meetings organised by the Danish Board of Technology, engaging citizens, local industry and decision makers.
Client: The Danish Board of Technology
Reference: Niels-Kristian Tjelle Holm
EML team: Ida Græsted Jensen and Kenneth Karlsson
Budget: DKK 100,000
Duration: 2023
Model: Not applicable (citizen dialogue project using illustrative charts rather than an energy systems model)