The Danish energy industry is no longer producing enough energy for its citizens, according to a recent report published by energy authorities Energistyrelsen.
The report revealed that the level of self-sufficiency dropped to 93 per cent last year – the first time it has fallen below 100 per cent in 18 years. Energistyrelsen said in a press release that the level of self-sufficiency since 2004 has fallen because less energy is being produced in the North Sea, and this has led to Denmark now consuming more than it produces.
Danish energy production was at its highest in 2004, when it was produced 56 per cent more than what it consumed. However, there has been a steady decline in production since then, with dwindling oil production being a key factor in the fall.
Last year, the production of natural gas and raw oil dropped by 17.7 per cent and 13 per cent respectively, although there was an increase of 2.2 per cent in the amount of sustainable energy produced compared to 2012. However, sustainable energy currently accounts for nearly a fifth of energy produced by Denmark and a fourth of total energy consumed.