Sören Hermansen on The 'Energy Positive' Island

Denmark's energy policy has been remarkably successful. When the first oil crisis struck in 1973 Denmark was almost entirely dependent on imported fossil fuels. Modern Denmark has been transformed into a leader in renewables and the most efficient user of energy in Europe. A new clean energy industrial cluster has emerged and Denmark is now a key player in energy technology, a sector which more than tripled its exports between 1998 and 2008.

The IIEA is delighted to welcome two of Denmark's thought leaders in the energy world, one of whom will provide a broad strategic overview of these developments and plans, and another who will provide a fascinating case study with clear implications for Ireland.

Professor Henrik Lund, from the Department of Development and Planning, in Aalborg spoke on the topic of Danish sustainable energy policy past and future: how to engage society? He was followed by Søren Hermansen, Director of Samsø Energy Academy & Adjunct Professor at Aalborg University, who spoke on the topic of Using Sustainable Energy for Regional Development, the case of Samsø, the 'Energy Positive' Island.