Danish Experience in Wind Energy - Local Financing

Working report for the WELFI project (Wind Energy Local Financing) coordinated by CLER (Comité de Liaison Energies Renouvelables), France with support from the EU SAVE Program.

Gunnar Boye Olesen, Preben Maegaard, Jane Kruse, December 2002

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Summary :

The historical turning point of the wind energy development was the 1973 energy crisis, which caused something like a shock to the Danes in their life of affluence. At the same time the debate on utilizing nuclear power in Denmark worked as a forceful stimulant for bringing alternative energy sources onto the agenda. The slogan « sun and wind » made it possible for the many people who were active in the movement against nuclear power to say not only « No », but also « Yes » to an alternative.

The energy crisis caused the set up of two scenarios. One was the movement « from above » originating from government and legislator initiatives, seconded by research at the atomic power experimental station Risø, mastered by the big central power stations.

But at the same time a movement « from below » arose, rooted in a new public awareness of energy and environment. Experiments were made and experience was exchanged with a will during the latter half of the 1970’s, especially in Central and Western Jutland.