2015 export figures for Danish energy technology

According to new export figures for energy technology, released by the Danish Ministry of Energy, Utilities and Climate, the Danish Energy Industries Federation and the Danish Energy Association, Danish companies producing energy technology exported DKK 71.4 billion in 2015. 

This is 4% decline compared to the previous year, but the share of energy technology exports still constitutes a large part of the overall Danish export with 11%, which is the highest among countries in the EU.

 “I am pleased that Denmark, despite a small decline in exports, maintains its clear position as the number one country in the EU regarding export of energy technology. The export figures remind us that we must not rest on our laurels, which is why I will initiate a dialogue with the industry and energy sector on how we can strengthen export opportunities together, benefitting the climate, growth and Danish jobs”, says Danish Minister for Energy, Utilities and Climate Lars Christian Lilleholt.

Exports in 2015 increased to Germany, the U.S. and China. Germany is by far the biggest market, and last year Danish companies exported DKK 24.7 billion to this market.

There has been a decline to core markets such as Sweden and the U.K. The decline on these markets helps to explain why total exports of energy technology in 2015 declined around 4% compared to 2014.

“It has gone remarkably well in a number of years, and today the industry accounts for a large share of Danish exports. But a special effort is required in order to reach the Danish Energy Industries Federation’s benchmark of exporting DKK 100 billion in 2020. An export strategy is needed, which can ensure that we fully utilise the potential”, says Director of Energy and Climate Policy at the Confederation of Danish Industry Troels Ranis.

The Danish energy sector is built on expertise acquired through four decades, and has in recent years been among the best in the world.

“Developments show that it is crucial for Danish exports that especially countries in Europe maintain an ambitious climate and energy policy. But it is also a reminder that we cannot solely rely on successes from the past. Therefore, a new and integrated export strategy must address both export markets and focus on the foundation to develop tomorrow’s successes in Denmark”, says Deputy Director General at the Danish Energy Association Anders Stouge.

In 2000, Denmark exported energy technology amounting to DKK 26.7 billion. 15 years later exports had grown to DKK 71.4 billion. This corresponds to a yearly growth of 6.8% measured in current prices. During the same period, the average yearly growth in overall exports has been 3.0%. This means that the share of energy technology in overall export has increased from 7% to 11% in the same period. Among the EU-15 countries, Denmark’s export is the most specialised within energy technology.

Additional

• The Paris Agreement sends an important signal to private investors, that low emissions are the future. The agreement thus includes great business opportunities for Denmark, being Europe’s leading country within the export of energy technology.

• According to the Confederation of Danish Industry, the export of Danish energy technology to the EU, USA, China and Mexico can be doubled to app. DKK 120 billion towards 2030 as the climate agreement is implemented.

Source: State of Green