Denmark's Renewable Energy Island
Samsø, Denmark
PROJECT TEAM & PARTNERS
- Samsø Energi- og miljøkontor
- Samsø Energiakademi
- Energitjenesten Samsø
TIMESCALE
10 years
DESCRIPTION OF THE PROJECT
Situated in the middle of Denmark, Samsø was chosen to be Denmark's Renewable Energy Island in 1997. The goal was for the island to be self-sufficient in renewable energy within 10 years. Today the island is exporting more clean energy, than it imports fossil fuels.
Today wind turbines provide 100 % of Samsø's electricity. Similarly, 70 % of heating comes from renewable energy sources.
The island has its own energy office, where companies and householders can receive advice on renewable energy solutions and ways for saving energy.
Currently, there are a number of research projects on Samsø that involve for example the use of rapeseed oil in transport or elephant grass for heating.
Samsø Energy Academy has solar heating, solar power cells and recycled rainwater systems, which are used as demonstrations for visitors.
All Samsø's community heating systems are based on renewable resources, such as straw, solar panels and woodchips.
A single wind turbine in Samsø's sea wind farm produces enough energy each year to power 2000 households. A land-based turbine can power 600 households.
The 10 wind turbines in the sea south of Samsø send more clean electricity every year to the mainland grid than the island uses on transport, including the three ferries.
A large proportion of private oil-fired boilers have been replaced by wood-pellet boilers, modern solid-fuel systems, solar panels or geo-thermal heating.
CHALLENGES FACED
The challenges faced were mostly related with social
and socioeconomic factors.
These were overcome by good national subsidy programs, local energy democracy, local ownership, local job creation and joining of many different groups in society (craftsmen, municipality, private houses, schools, etc.).
PROJECT TARGETS & LEGISLATION
- 140 % CO2 reduction (due to off-setting )
- 60 mio. € Invested in RE in total.
- 75 % of the heat comes from RE-sources
- 100 % of electricity comes from land based wind turbines
The offshore turbines produce more energy than the island use on transportation (including 3 ferries).
This idea helped reduce the electricity cost and made it possible to borrow money in the bank for the project. All projects on Samsø are made on proven technology and normal Danish rules and subsidy programs.
INNOVATIVE PRACTICE
- Involving all members of society.
- Planning company in close relation with local people in the project. Every part of the island is today proud of the project.
CONTACT DETAILS
Maja Lykke Sørensen
EU adviser
Telephone: +32 2 230 87 32
Email: mls@centraldenmark.eu
www.centraldenmark.eu
