Coal power’s future in the nation’s biggest cities is looking dim. In a move that would cut national coal consumption by a fourth, the government is expected to announce plans that will require large power stations to convert from coal to biomass.
The proposal, one of the most sweeping changes in the energy market since the oil crisis and the 1973 ban on driving cars on Sundays, has been welcomed by the energy and environment markets.
Under the plan, the country’s five largest cities, as well as the ‘Trekant’ area, which consists of the towns of Kolding, Vejle and Frederecia, would be targeted as coal-free areas.
Lykke Friis, the climate minister, said she hoped the proposal would become a reality as early as next year.
Lars Aagaard, the head of the Danish Energy Association, told Jyllands-Posten that the initiative is the largest single change in the nation’s power supply. He added that he was pleased that the government adding biomass as one of its renewable energy focus areas.
Converting to biomass from coal is predicted to reduce the country’s carbon dioxide emissions by between three and five percent.
It has been estimated that the conversion to biomass will cost the state some 900 million kroner annually through the loss of levies on coal.
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