Denmark is confident in achieving its 2020 GHG cut target

Denmark is confident in meeting its EU target in 2020, namely halving its coal consumption by 2020 and cutting greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by 40% in 2020 compared to 1990. The country has already introduced measures that should reduce emissions by 37%, leading to a 2 MtCO₂eq shortfall by this date. The country has an EU target to reduce GHG in the sectors not covered by quotas by 20% by 2020, compared with the 2005 level. According to projections by the Danish Energy Agency, the EU target will be exceeded over the 2013-2020 period, when the total exceeded compliance is expected to be 19 MtCO₂eq. Denmark aims to reduce the share of the power and heating sector in overall emissions from 38% in 2012 to 29% in 2020, increasing the share of transport (from 22% to 26%). By 2020, the gross energy consumption is expected to decline by 4%, due to energy efficiency measures in the power generation and heating sector. Renewable power generation will continue to soar (+47% up to 2020), thanks to offshore wind parks, reducing the share of fossil fuels in the power consumption from 84% in 2000 to 29% in 2020. Coal consumption should fall by 57% and renewables (renewable power generation, biomass, biogas and biofuels) are expected to account for 38% of the primary consumption (from 26% in 2012) and for 30% of the final energy consumption by 2020.