Last year, an average household’s electricity consumption emitted less CO2 than the year before. While a household emitted 1,792 kg of CO2 in 2010, it only emitted 1,512 kg last year.

A significant increase in power generation from wind turbines last year resulted in more ‘wind’ in the grid. At the same time, biomass consumption was at the same high level as in 2010. These factors, which are reflected in the environmental impact statement for electricity supplied for consumption in Denmark in 2011, resulted in considerably lower emissions of CO2 per kWh.

The increase in power generation from wind turbines is due to the fact that it blew 16% below average in 2010, while in 2011 the wind blew at average wind speeds. Moreover, 2011 was the first full calendar year in which the offshore wind farm Rødsand 2, which was commissioned in mid-2010, was operating at full capacity.

Electricity imports from Norway and Sweden increased in 2011, while production at the Danish primary power stations fell. The fall was particularly in fossil fuel-based consumption, i.e. natural gas and oil.

Further information:
Christian Friberg B. Nielsen, Miljøkoordinator, Energinet.dk, +45 76 22 44 11
Christian Guldager Simonsen, Ingeniør, Energinet.dk, +45 76 22 45 42