Organised by the Danish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Confederation of Danish Industry and the Danish Wind Industry Association, the event included one of the largest overseas business delegations Australia has ever seen, and had a focus on sustainable thinking and clean technologies.

Different geography – same challenges

The conference was opened by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark and the Premier of New South Wales, Barry O’Farrell, in Sydney. Both expressed high hopes of fruitful co-operation between Australia and Denmark to tackle the issues of climate change and creating green growth.

“Although our two nations are geographically far apart, they are facing many of the same challenges,” said Crown Prince Frederik.

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He also stressed that Danish companies across sectors should all strive to develop climate friendly and environmentally-conscious solutions.

Premier O’Farrell explained some of the challenges that Sydney and the state of New South Wales face – particularly within sustainable urban planning – and expressed great admiration for the Danish skills in this area.

Converting successful Danish achievements into local solutions

The question of how to convert successful Danish achievements into an Australian context based on local demand was at the centre of discussions at the conference, along with future business co-operation. Over 50 Danish companies participated in the delegation.

Danish Minister for Trade and Investment Pia Olsen Dyhr expressed confidence in Danish competences, and expertise contributing to Australia reaching its own goals. She also stressed the importance of a strong alliance between the two countries in making a difference in terms of the green agenda globally.

Long-term goals for 2020, 2030 and 2035

The State of Green business delegation to Australia coincided with the release of the Danish Government’s energy plan. The plan’s long-term goal is to implement an energy and transport network that relies solely on renewable energy sources by 2050.

According to the plan, by 2020, extensive reductions in energy consumption will be made, making it possible for half of the country’s electricity consumption to be covered by wind power. Coal is to be phased out of Danish power plants by 2030, and by 2035, all electricity and heating will be generated using renewable sources.

“Creating green economic growth will secure Denmark’s future. Viewed in narrow terms, we can expect to pay more for energy, but this has to be seen as a form of insurance. These are costly investments, but compared with the cost of what we’re insuring ourselves against, the amount is minimal,” said Danish Minister for Climate, Energy and Building, Martin Lidegaard.

“It’s a good investment if energy prices increase more than we forecast – and there is a significant risk of that happening,”

Savings worth 6.9 billion Danish krones

The energy plan, entitled Our Future Energy, calls for spending of 5.6 billion Danish krones (DKK) – approximately $AU984 million – in 2020 on initiatives such as improved energy efficiency and expanding the use of renewable energy.

Not included in that figure are the billions of DKK businesses and households are projected to invest in renewable energy and more efficient technologies. The decreased consumption that results from these investments will lead to lower overall energy costs. By 2020, the saving is projected to amount to 6.9 billion DKK, but would be even larger if the cost of fossil fuels increased.